L 

,H'  ■<lM«;i>wa  H...(  .  ■',l 'tin 

■K&SUZ 

FRED  LOCKLEY 

1    RARE  WESTERN  BOOKS 

4227  S.  E.  Stark  St. 
1  1  PORTLAND.               ORE. 

IISIHII 

a A    '  i!>aa 

ii?" 

'lllii'" 

hJllLiL; 

-I    'III1'! 

M|fP^^ 

Columbia  <Bntoet*itp 

mti)e£ttp0f3te$ta:k 

THE  LIBRARIES 


<00&^ 


■^Msa/f'i 


THE  LIFE  AND  LETTERS 


OF 


Rev.  Lewis  Alfked  Wickes, 


BEING  A  BRIEF  NARRATIVE  OF  HIS  LIFE,  AND  THE 

LETTERS  CONNECTED  WITH  HIS  LABORS  IN  REVIVALS  OF  RELIGION 

IN  NORTHERN  NEW  YORK. 


Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature."— Mark  It!:  15. 


COMPILED  BY  III*  WW:  MRS:  MVl'IKA  WR'lySS* 


CHICAGO: 
FAIRBANKS,  PALMER  &  CO. 

1884. 


93?,  6? 


COPYRIGHTED  BY 

MRS.  CYNTHIA  WICKES, 

IS  S3. 


(  I1A*    N.  TBIVESS,  l'KIXTBll. 
CHICAGO. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

ChapterI. — Narrative.     Birth,  Early  Education    and    Conversion,       !> 

Chapter  II. — Commencement  of  Ministerial  Work 12 

Chapter  III. —  Pastoral  Labors.      At    Stows  Square  and  Antwerp.     20 
Chapter  IV. — Correspondence   during   His    Earlv   Ministry,  from 

1830  to  1833 ' 26 

Chapter  V. — Correspondence    during     Pastoral    Work,  from    1833 

to  1841 50 

Chapter   VI. — Beginning   of  Evangelistic   Work.     Revival  at  Nor- 
folk   ^ 80 

Chapter  VII. — Revival    Meeting  at  Massena.     Removal  of  Family 

to  Stows  Square 1)5 

Chapter  VIII. — Meeting  at  Canton  and  Waddington 103 

Chapter  IX. — Revival  Meeting  at  Morristown.     Birthday  Eetter  of 

1841 127 

Chapter  X. — Meeting  at  Parrishville 144 

Chapter  XL — Meeting  and  Sickness  at  Hermon.       Revival   at   De 

Kalb 151 

Chapter  XII. — Revival  Meeting  at  Ogdensburg.     Texts 163 

Chapter  XIII. — Meeting  at    Huvelton  and  De  Puyster 174 

Chapter  XIV. — Meeting  at  Lisbon  and  Birthday  Letter  for  1842.  .   183 
Chapter  XV. — Meetings  at  Woodville,  Copenhagen,  and  Rodman.  207 

Chapter  XVI. — Meetings  at  Belleville  and  Adams 218 

Chapter  XVII.— Revival  at  Mansfield 226 

Chapter  XVIII. — Meetings    of   1844  at  Huvelton,  West  Potsdam, 

and  Madrid 235 

Chapter  XIX. — Second    Meeting   at     Massena    and    Chateaugay, 

1845 247 

Chapter  XX. — Meetings  at  Burke,  Lawrenceville,  Moira.    Birthday 

Letter  of  1845 262 

CHAPTER  XXL — Meetings  at  Malone  and  Gouverneur 278 

CHAPTER  XXII. — Meeting  at  Oswego 205 

Chapter  XXIII  —  Birthday  Letter,  1848 308 

Chapter  XXIV. — Revival  Meetings  at  Boonville,    Brownville,  La- 

Fargeville.     Birthday  and  Letter  to  Mother. .   315 
Chapter  XXV. — Revival  Meetings  at  Depauville,  Cape  Vincent. .  .   335 

Chapter  XXVI. — Meeting  at  Copenhagen  and  Last  Sickness 348 

Chapter  XXVII. — Funeral   Sermon     and    Testimonials.      Closing 

Words 355 


PREFACE. 

In  compliance  with  the  urgent  solicitations  of  many- 
respected  and  dear  friends  of  the  deceased  L.  A. 
WlCKES,  and  hoping  to  benefit  those  now  living,  who 
once  enjoyed  and  were  benefited  by  his  life,  and  also  as 
his  memory  is  still  sacred,  that  it  may  continue  to  be 
cherished  by  children  and  grandchildren. 

It  is  attempted  in  a  brief  narrative  to  present  some 
of  the  arduous  labors  selected  from  numerous  letters  con- 
cerning the  successful  revivals  of  religion  where  God  in 
His  kind  providence  marked  out  the  path  for  our  faithful 
and  beloved  friend  to  labor.  Being  well  aware  of  the 
difficulties,  at  this  late  hour,  to  do  justice  to  what  the 
Lord  wrought  by  His  instrumentality,  yet  it  is  desired  to 
encourage  others  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  as  His  servant 
did,  knowing  the  promises  are  sure  to  the  obedient  in 
His  blessed  cause. 

We  therefore  send  out  some  incidents  of  a  faithful 
life,  praying  that  to  the  inquiry  "Who  is  on  the  Lord's 
side?"  many  may  respond  as  did  the  subject  of  this 
memoir,  unreservedly  "  Here  Lord  am  I.  What  wilt 
thou  have  me  to  do?" 


AN     INTRODUCTORY      NOTE     TO     SUB- 
SCRIBERS. 


A   PEN   PICTURE   OF   MRS.    WICKES. 


As  most  of  the  subscribers  for  the  Life  and  Letters 
of  Rev.  L.  A.  Wickes  will  expect  a  portrait  of  Mrs. 
Wickes  also,  it  is  due  them,  to  say,  that  at  the  exceed- 
ingly low  price  which  she  offered  her  book  and  the  great 
personal  sacrifice  at  which  she  has  been,  in  order  to  have 
it  printed  at  all,  forbid  any  more  expense. 

And  so  it  has  been  thought  by  some  of  her  nearest 
friends  that  a  brief  pen  sketch  of  her  life  would  satisfy 
your  expectations.  Owing  to  her  natural  diffidence  and 
failing  health  it  has  been  by  a  great  deal  of  persuasion 
that  she  has  yielded  to  have  this  sketch  written,  and 
only  acquiesced  at  the  thought  that  it  might  be  of  en- 
couragement and  benefit  to  others  and  advance  the 
cause  of  her  Lord  whom  she  desires  above  everything 
else  to  honor.  Her  parents  were  of  puritanic  stock  and 
emigrated  from  Connecticut  to  northern  New  York  when 
there  was  only  a  bridle  path  from  Utica  northward. 
Cynthia  Wilcox  was  born  Feb.  3,  1 804.  Her  first  recol- 
lection was  learning  to  walk  and  of  sitting  in  the  foot  of 
the  cradle  rocking  her  sister  thirteen  months  younger 
than  herself.  Then  when  she  was  two  and  a  half  years 
old  of  riding  to  school  on  horseback  with  her  father 
and  being  lifted  off  by  the  teacher.  Being  of  a  very 
religious  turn   of  mind   she   recollects,   when  a  very  small 

vii 


viii  Introductory  \otc  to  Subscribers. 

child,  of  holding  a  blade  of  grass  in  her  hand  and  wish- 
ing the  Lord  would  turn  it  into  a  needle  (as  her  mother 
had  but  few  and  could  only  procure  more  by  sending  to 
Utica,  fifty  miles  away)  so  she  might  sew  together  some 
pieces  that  had  been  given  her.  At  the  age  of  seven 
years  her  first  religious  conviction  of  sin  began  on  being 
told  by  a  young  cousin  who  was  visiting  at  her  father's 
house  and  who  had  a  New  Testament  which  she  read 
with  C,  that  she  was  a  sinner,  that  everybody  were  sin- 
ners. She  thought  her  father  and  mother  could  not  be 
but  the  cousin  said  yes  ALL  were  sinners,  that  Jesus  had 
died  for  all  who  would  repent  and  believe  on  Him.  Two 
or  three  years  after  the  cousin  died  and  left  as  a  parting 
gift  to  C.  the  New  Testament,  which  she  valued  highly 
and  spent  much  of  her  spare  time  in  reading  and  com- 
mitting to  memory  many  passages.  She  remembers  be- 
ing much  impressed  by  sermons  preached  by  the  Rev. 
Isaac  Clinton  in  1808.  About  the  year  1816,  under  the 
ministry  of  Father  Nash,  her  parents  united  with  the 
Church  and  brought  all  their  children  (then  seven  in 
number  1  forward  for  baptism.  Some  weeks  after,  while 
visiting  at  their  house,  questioning  C.  about  her  religious 
faith  Father  Nash  asked  her  if  she  loved  the  Savior. 
She  replied,  "  He  was  the  one  altogether  lovely."  He 
asked  her  if  she  would  not  like  to  unite  with  the  people 
of  God  and  she  assented.  So  when  all  Christians  of  all 
denominations  were  gathered  together  in  the  old  school 
house  where  the  church  usually  met  for  Sabbath  worship, 
she  was  requested  to  stand  up  on  a  bench  and  "give  in" 
her  "religious  experience,"  which  she  did,"  and  Father  N. 
asked  all  present  who  thought  it  a  Christian  experience 
to  hold  up  their  hands.     From  that  time  she  spent  much 


Introductory  /Vote  to  Subscribers.  ix 

time  reading  such  books  as  Baxter's  Saints'  Rest,  Dod- 
ridge's  Rise  and  Progress  and  Mrs.  Hannah  Moore  and 
such  like  works.  A  ladies'  Missionary  and  Library  Society 
was  organized  and  C.  was  chosen  secretary  and  served 
as  such  for  years,  In  1820  a  young  man  who  united 
with  the  church  at  the  same  time  C.  did,  and  was  study- 
ing for  the  ministry  started  the  idea  of  a  Sabbath  School 
and  organized  one  with  twenty-five  members.  She  be- 
ing the  oldest  of  the  scholars  was  asked  to  hear  a  class, 
as  their  exercises  consisted  chiefly  in  reciting  Scripture 
verses  from  memory.  And  from  that  time  to  this  there 
has  never  been  a  time,  unless  prevented  by  very  severe 
illness,  that  she  has  not  gathered  a  class  about  her  upon 
the  Sabbath  for  instruction  in  the  Bible.  A  few  years 
ago,  a  former  pupil  of  hers  at  Stows  Square,  while  on  a 
visit  to  her  western  home  and  speaking  of  that  Sabbath 
School  said;  "The  best  S.  S.  ever  WAS."  The  children 
were  always  nearly  all  converted  while  in  her  class ;  her 
constant  aim  was  to  guard  them  and  bring  them  into 
the  fold  of  the  Good  Shepherd.  About  1826  the  tem- 
perance movement  commenced  in  the  East,  and  people 
began  to  see  bad  effects  from  the  use  of  malt  or  dis- 
tilled liquors,  and  a  pledge  against  such  liquors  was  cir- 
culated. 

One  was  brought  to  Miss  C,  while  she  was  sitting 
at  her  loom  weaving  her  day's  work  for  family  wear, 
and  she  immediately  wrote  her  name.  Afterward,  the 
Washingtonian  movement  swept  over  the  land  and  her 
father  and  mother  with  the  older  members  joined  it  and 
received  certificates  of  membership. 

During  the  years  1821  and  1822  Miss  C.  attended 
school  at  Lowville  Academy,  then   under  the  preceptor- 


x  Introductory  Note  to  Subscribers. 

ship  of  Prof.  Taylor.  During  the  year  1831  while  teach- 
ing the  day  school  at  Stows  Square  a  revival  broke  out 
among  the  children  and  nearly  all  the  school  "indulged 
a  hope  in  the  Savior."  At  this  time  Mr.  Wickes  came  to 
Stows  Square,  the  result  of  which  is  found  in  the  nar- 
rative. 

Diffident  to  attract  public  notice,  it  was  not  until 
after  her  marriage  that  she  broke  over  the  custom  of 
"women  keeping  silence  in  the  churches."  He  encouraged 
her  to  feel  "that  clothes  stuffed  with  straw  would  not 
hinder  her  from  praying  before  them,  and  men  were  but 
lumps  of  clay  covered."  She  entered  heartily  and  with 
an  eye  single  to  God's  glory  into  every  reform  that  pre- 
sented itself,  signing  with  her  husband  upon  marriage,  a 
pledge  of  total  abstinence  from  all  kind  of  liquor,  tobacco, 
tea  and  coffee,  which  pledge  she  ever  kept.  Though  she 
well  remembers  when  ministers  and  deacons  joined  with 
all  others  in  drinking  from  the  full  bottle  and  pitchers  that 
were  ever  kept  ready  on  the  sideboard  for  all  callers. 
After  her  husband  commenced  his  evangelistic  labors 
she  with  her  little  children  returned  from  Antwerp  to  her 
father's  house,  where  she  made  her  home  for  nearly  five 
years,  attending  prayer  and  maternal  meetings,  and  hav- 
ing always  a  class  in  Sunday  School,  but  when  at  all 
consistent  with  other  duties,  she  accompanied  her  hus- 
band in  his  arduous,  but  to  them  delightful  labor  of  lead- 
ing souls  to  Christ.  During  this  stay  with  her  family  at 
Stows  Square,  temperance  and  anti-slavery  causes  be- 
came greatly  agitated,  and  were  made  by  herself  and 
friends  subjects  of  special  prayer,  but  the  minister  and 
leading  members  of  the  society  were  exceedingly  "con- 
servative and  forbid  them  to  bring  such  subjects    into 


Introductory  Xotc  to  Subscribers.  xi 

their  social  meetings,  treating  them  with  coldness  by 
shutting  the  door  in  their  faces  or  closing  the  meeting  be- 
fore giving  them  opportunity  to  take  any  part,  con- 
sequently they  thought  best  to  quietly  remain  at  home. 
Some  sympathizing  friends  coming  in  each  Sabbath  to 
have  a  prayer  meeting,  or  read  a  sermon,  or  anti-slavery 
lecture,  as  many  stirring  articles  were  being  widely  pub- 
lished, and  so  as  a  family  they  were  strongly  enthused 
by  these  and  kindred  subjects,  and  that  no  farther 
trouble  should  be  made  by  the  society,  they  wrote 
and  sent  in  a  "Withdrawal." 

[Mrs.  W.  never  ceased  her  work  of  teaching  the  Word 
of  God  both  in  S.  S.,  and  in  a  week  day  evening  Bible 
class  attended  for  years  by  adults  and  young  people.] 

But  "the  society"  were  not  content  to  let    them  leave 
thus    peaceably    saying  "Our   S.   S.  is  all  run  down,  w 
can't    afford     to    lose    their    support,"    so    sent    them    a 
citation  to  "appear  before  the  church  for  covenant  break- 
ing." 

Mrs.  W.  had  already  arranged  to  assist  her  husband 
in  a  very  interesting  revival,  and  as  a  number  of  the  family 
had  planned  to  attend  a  large  Abolition  Convention  at 
Antwerp,  and  accompany  her  on  her  way;  feeling  that 
the  more  important  occasion,  they  did  not  attend  the 
"Church  meeting."  The  "Church"  however  met,  and  by 
an  ex  parte  trial  by  vote  of  sixteen  "cut  off"  ten  of 
the  absentees,  but  as  Mrs.  W.  had  a  good  excuse  to  go 
to  assist  her  husband  they  put  off  her  trial,  and  after 
several  postponements,  and  an  appeal  to  the  Presbytery, 
where  an  earnest  effort  was  made  to  have  her  vindicated 
and  truth  alone  made  to  appear.  Mr.  WT.  sympathizing  with 
his  wife  in  all  reformatory    causes   thought   that   justice 


xii  Introductory  Note  to  Subscribers. 

would  be  done  if  the  facts  and  truth  were  known.  And 
while  not  willing  to  hinder  the  revival  meetings  in  which 
he  was  engaged,  hoped  to  carry  on  by  writing  and  brother 
minister?,  a  satisfactory  conclusion  of  the  matter.  But 
the  clerical  brethren  were  fearful  that  the  anti-slavery  cause 
would  divide  their  churches,  and  so  did  not  allow  all  the 
facts  to  appear.  And  at  a  special  called  meeting  of  "the 
Church"  the  then  pastor  pronounced  her  (5  against  4) 
"Cutoff  from  all  Church  fellowship  with  man,  and  no 
doubt  with  God."  The  Presbytery  at  length  decided 
"There  is  nothing  against  Mrs.  Wicked  Christian  and 
moral  character,  and  if  she  will  recall  her  "Withdrawal," 
she  may  be  re -instated  into  Church  fellowship"  but  no 
word  was  promised  of  Christian  liberty  on  the  great  moral 
questions  of  the  day,  and  she  felt  to  say,  "What. I  have 
done  I  have  done." 

As  Mrs.  Wickes  had  only  done  what  she  felt  as  her 
duty  to  do,  she  had  no  regrets,  or  apologies  to  make. 
The  long  experience  she  had  passed  through  and  believing 
that  "If  ye  know  these  things  happy  are  ye  if  you  do 
them,"  and  "Happy  is  he  that  condemneth  not  himself  in 
the  things  that  he  alloweth,"  led  her  to  see,  more  and  more, 
that  the  fellowship  of  Christians  was  one  thing  and  man- 
made  churches  and  sects  another,  and  the  more  she  was 
made  the  object  of  scorn  the  more  she  was  led  to  close 
reading  of  the  Bible  and  prayerful  meditation.  When 
the  glorious  liberty  of  the  Gospel  revealed  itself  still 
more  fully  to  her  consciousness  she  realized  that  he  that 
loveth  is  born  of  Go d  and  "  Through  One  Spirit"  we  all 
have  access  to  the  Father,  and  "There  is  no  other  name 
given  under  heaven  among  men  whereby  we  can  be 
saved,"  "But  he  that  believeth  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 


Introductory  Note  to  Subscribers.  xiii 

shall  be  saved,"  "  and  to  him  shall  be  given  a  new  name 
that  no  man  knoweth  save  him  to  who  it  is  given."  And 
therefore,  "the  Bride,  the  Lamb's  wife,"  is  known  by  the 
Bridegroom,  and  as  no  voting  by  brothers  or  sisters,  or 
strangers,  can  make  a  child  belong  to  its  parents,  so  no 
human  power  can  create  the  relation  of  a  child  to  God 
and  if  born  of  God  all  are  by  the  "spirit  of  adoption," 
already  "members  of  the  General  Assembly  and  Church 
of  the  first  born"  and  members  one  of  another.  "Grow- 
ing in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviuor  Jesus  Christ."  "Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of 
yourselves  together."  Finding  in  the  written  word  of 
God  an  all  sufficient  guide  for  "All  Scripture  is  given  by 
inspiration  of  God  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  reproof, 
correction,  and  instruction  in  righteousness,  that  the  man 
of  God  may  be  thoroughly  furnished  unto  every  good 
work."  Truth  never  acting  in  opposition  to  itself.  And 
as  the  "law  of  the  Lord"  is  exceeding  broad,  extend- 
ing to  every  thought "  so  no  condition  or  reform  but  will 
find  direction  or  guidance  in  the  blessed  Bible,  there- 
fore made  her  courageous  to  accept  and  put  in  practice 
all  reforms  when  made  clear  to  her  conscience.  While 
visiting  a  daughter,  in  Fulton,  111.,  in  1859,  she  was  cor- 
dially invited  to  the  charge  of  a  Bible  class,  which  she  did 
to  the  acceptance  of  the  members.  After  returning 
home  where  a  feeble  grand  child  needed  her  sympathiz- 
ing care,  being  a  naturally  skillful  nurse,  her  attention 
was  drawn  to  the  dress  of  women  as  affecting  the  lives 
and  health  of  not  merely  themselves  but  their  children, 
and  she  adopted  the  dress  reform  costume  which  she  has 
worn  for  the  last  twenty-four  years. 

The  subject  of  equal  rights  was  very  forcibly  brought 


xiv  Introductory  Note  to  Subscribers. 

to  her  notice  by  an  incident  soon  after  her  husband's 
death.  The  pathmaster  called  to  warn  her  of  her  road 
tax.  According  to  New  York  law,  Mr.  W.  had  never 
been  taxed,  and  she  asked  why  she  should  be,  as  a 
widow.  The  answer  was,  "  Not  being  a  minister  and 
holding  property  it  must  be  taxed."  "But,"  said  she,  "I 
am  not  as  able  as  was  my  husband,"  "Can't  help  it,  its 
THE  LAW"  was  the  reply,  "And  I  warn  you  on  the  road 
to-morrow  at  8  a.  M.  with  such  tools  as  you  use  in  your 
garden."  And  so  amid  the  tears  of  her  children,  accom- 
panied by  a  little  orphan  boy  staying  with  her,  and 
whom  she  directed  to  take  his  Testament  along  to  study 
his  S.  S.  lesson,  she  was  set  at  work  on  the  road  by  the  side 
of  the  burying  ground  where  her  husband  lay.  Was 
ever  place  more  fitting  to  think  of  enactments  that  re- 
quire "Taxation  without  representation?  It  was  with 
her,  and  her  daughters,  a  life  lesson.  The  anti-slavery 
question  had  expanded  to  one  of  human  rights,  regard- 
less of  sex.  "  In  Christ  Jesus  there  is  neither  male  or 
female  for  all  are  one." 

In  1863  she  accompanied  her  children  and  their  fam- 
ilies to  Iowa  and  settled  in  Humboldt  Co.  She  has  ever 
sought  to  exemplify  her  belief  by  her  life,  "  that  others  see- 
ing her  good  works  may  glorify  God,  and  finding  in 
every  loving  heart  a  brother  or  sister.  She  is  now  in  her 
eightieth  year.  Her  memory  and  faculties  of  mind  are 
clear.  Heart  warm  and  in  sympathy  with  the  young 
people  about  her.  Interested  in  all  that  interests  the 
children  and  grandchildren,  and  the  one  littlegreat  grand- 
daughter. Though  suffering  daily  the  most  intense 
bodily  pain,  she  sends  out  her  little  book  hoping  in  the 
life  she  has  tried  to  portray,  an  example  that  may  be  the 


Introductory  Note  to  Subscribers.  xv 

means  of  winning  many  souls  to  Christ,  and  her  oft  re- 
peated expression  is  "  And  now  Lord,  what  wait  I  for, 
my  hope  is  in  Thee."  "Who  shall  separate  us  from  the 
love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord."  Truly 
of  her  may  well  be  said  as  of  another 

"Humility,  religion's  choicest  grace, 

Adorned  her  life  throughout  her  earthly  race ; 

Meekness,  through  life  her  tender  soul  inspired, 

While  holy  veal,  her  ardent  spirit  fired. 

Sectarian  pride  and  selfish  party  zeal 

Her  free-born  soul  disdained  to  feel. 

Her  liberal  mind,  her  wide  expanded  soul, 

Loved  all  the  saints,  and  fellowshiped  the  whole. 

Pure  love  for  souls  oft  made  her  spirit  yearn, 

While  she  in  tears  prayed  sinners  to  return. 

Long  will  "  The  Churc/i"  her  absence  sad  deplore; 

But,  ah!  'tis  ours  to  tremble  and  adore 

Jehovah's  ways.     We'll  humbly  kiss  the  rod, 

And  bow  submissive  to  the  hand  of  God." 


CHAPTER  I. 


BIRTH  AND  EARLY  EDUCATION. 


EWIS  ALFRED  WICKES  was  born  at  Hyde 
Park,  Dutchess  County,  N.  Y.,  December  8, 
1809.  He  was  the  eldest  of  ten  children,  and 
remarkable  for  his  natural  vivacity  and  affectionate  dispo- 
sition. His  opportunities  for  Christian  instruction  in 
early  life  were  rather  limited,  as  his  parents  were  not 
professedly  religious. 

He  often  spoke  of  his  grandfather's  taking  him  with 
him  to  meeting  and  seating  him  upon  a  low  seat  before 
the  altar,  and  of  standing,  when  very  small,  in  the  orches- 
tra and  singing,  as  he  had  an  excellent  voice  and  liked  to 
join  that  part  of  worship  on  the  Sabbath. 

After  several  removals,  his  parents  settled  in  Troy, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  was  surrounded  with  many  temptations, 
as  youths  of  his  age,  of  convivial  affinities  in  cities, 
always  are.  When  his  dear  parents  became  Christians, 
espousing  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  erected  a  family  altar, 
Lewis'  heart  rebelled  against  such  an  idea  as  being  sum- 
moned to  come  daily  around  that  -altar.  He  told  his 
brother  he  would  run  away  from  such  a  place.  As  he 
was  his  mother's  main  dependence  in  assisting  about 
household  affairs,  she  had  very  severe  trials  on  this  sub- 
ject with  him.  His  father  was  constantly  engaged  in 
business,  and  could  not  be  with  his  family  during  the  day. 


10  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

His  mind  was  not  wholly  at  ease  on  the  all-important 
subject  of  his  soul's  salvation.  His  father*s  prayers  and 
his  mother's  warnings  often  aroused  his  consciousness  of 
sin.  While  procrastinating,  he  tried  in  vain  to  shield 
himself  under  the  doctrine  of  Universalism. 

In  1826  Rev.  C.  G.  Finney  held  a  protracted  meeting 
in  Dr.  Beman's  church,  the  society  with  which  his 
parents  were  connected  at  that  time.  Under  the  pre- 
sentation of  Divine  truth  he  became  fully  convicted  of  his 
guilt  as  a  sinner  against  God.  So  absorbed  were  his 
thoughts  on  his  own  sinfulness  that  he  imagined  the 
preacher  speaking  his  name  out  audibly  while  he  sat  in 
the  crowded  gallery. 

He  was  so  sure  it  was  so  that  he  tried  to  stifle  his 
feelings,  and,  aiming  to  conceal  them,  hastened  home  and 
asked  his  mother,  who  had  been  anxiously  praying  for 
him,  why  the  minister  mentioned  his  name.  His  parents 
Conver-  were  not  blind  to  see  the  workings  of  the  truth 
sion.  upon  his  heart,  and  prayers  went  up  unceasingly 
in  his  behalf.  For  several  days  his  agony  seemed  almost 
unbearable.  Satan  was  not  willing  to  give  up  his  slave, 
but  in  mercy  the  Lord  heard  prayer;  the  chain  was 
broken,  the  captive  set  free.  He  came  out  an  emanci- 
pated, praying  soul,  consecrating  ALL  to  God,  and  was 
faithful  in  the  performance  of  every  duty  that  was  made 
known  to  him.  With  other  young  converts,  he  became 
an  active  member  of  the  church  and  society,  engaging  in 
the  Sabbath  School  and  Temperance  cause. 

His  father  had  apprenticed  him  to  learn  the  carpen- 

0     ,     .   ter's  trade.     He  soon  felt  anxious  to  acquire  an 
Resolve  to  >■ 

work  for  education,  that    he  might    be  prepared  to  labor 

Master    more  efficiently  and  extensively  for  the  cause  of 

his   Savior  and  the  salvation  of  precious  souls. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  11 

This  was  his  constant  theme  of  prayer.  Christian  friends 
encouraged  him  to  make  this  aim  his  life-work.  Accord- 
ingly, he  bought  his  time  of  his  employer,  gave  his  note 
for  one  hundred  dollars,  hoping  a  kind  Providence  would 
enable  him  to  pay,  which  in  after  time  he  satisfactorily 
accomplished. 

In  the  month  of  May,  1826,  with  several  of  his  asso- 
ciates who  desired  to  study  for  the  ministry,  he  went  to 
Whitesborough  and  commenced  his  studies  in  the  semi- 
nary at  that  place,  their  tuition  being  partly  paid  by  a 

.  society  of  ladies  in  Troy.  His  parents  furnished 
circum-  him  with  an  outfit  for  present  necessities,  as  bed- 
stances,  ding,  clothing  and  books.  For  about  two  years 
he  shared  with  the  others  in  the  funds  supplied  by  the 
ladies  for  their  tuition,  paying  the  amount  lacking  by  his 
own  labor.  He  also  gained  the  confidence  of  his  teacher 
and  fellow-students.  While  attending  the  seminary  he 
went  out  into  the  neighborhoods,  engaged  in  Sabbath 
schools  and  prayer-meetings,  also  assisted  pastors  and 
ministers  when  revivals  of  religion  prevailed  in  that  sec- 
tion, and  was  said  to  be  "  missed "  when  not  present  in 
prayer-meetings. 

In  April,  1830,  his  parents  sent  for  him  to  return 
home,  and  bring  all  his  things  with  him,  as,  with  their 
increasingly  large  family  and  limited  means,  they  could 
not,  without  incurring  a  debt,  help  him  in  things  neces- 
sary to  continue  longer  in  school. 


CHAPTER  II. 


EARLY  MINISTRY. 


z  XN    May,   young    Mr.  Wickes    complied    with    his 

i      parents'  request  and  returned  to  Troy,  but  with 

reluctance  at  leaving  the  revival  work  in  Oneida 

County,  in  which  his  whole  soul  was  engaged. 

He  was  dispirited,  and    in    suspense  as    to   the 

Discour-    course  the  Lord  would  have  him  take;    but   he 

aged,     trusted  Him  to  direct  his  steps,  and  He  shortly 

wav      opened  his  way,  as  the  following,  selected  from 

opens,    many  letters  received  from  interested  .persons  at 

Remsen,  shows,  who  felt   they  had  received  benefit  from 

his  influence  and  labors. 

Letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  Waters,  June  15th,  1830.  NEW 
Hartford,  Tuesday  morning,  June  15,  1830. 

Mr.  Wickes. 

Dear  Sir  :  I  last  evening  returned  from  Remsen, 
seventeen  miles  north  of  Utica,  where  I  have  preached 
for  the  three  Sabbaths  past.  I  hasten  this  morning  to 
answer  your  letter,  and  would  remark  that  my  situation 
as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  would  not  admit  of  dis- 
charging the  duty  of  instructor;  neither  would  my  tem- 
poral domestic  arrangements  admit  of  such  a  place  as  you 
would  need  Yet,  Sir,  as  I  feel  interested  in  your  case, 
and  very  ready  to  afford  you  all  the  aid  in  my  power,  and 
as  I  perceive  you  are  determined  on  leaving  Troy,  I  will 
remark  that  in  Remsen,  where  it  is  most  probable  I  shall 

12 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  13 

preach  this  summer,  there  is  an  academy,  the  preceptor  of 
which  has  lately  been  converted,  and  in  that  place  there 
is  now  a  revival.  Should  you  see  fit  to  come  right  on,  I 
should  be  glad  to  see  you,  and  would  find  you  some  work 
there  in  the  vineyard.  Board  is  but  $1.00  per  week, 
tuition  $4.50,  and  I  think  it  very  likely  I  might  find  you 
some  way  of  earning  your  board.  *  *  *  Should 
you  think  of  visiting  R.,  you  had  better  walk  out  from 
Utica  to  my  house.  You  have  friends  in  this  neighbor- 
hood who  will  be  glad  to  see  you. 

The  work  in  Floyd  continues,  and  has  become  power- 
ful in  Holland  Patent  and  Trenton.  There  is  now  a 
precious  line  of  revival  from  Floyd  to  Remsen. 

Yours  affectionately, 

J.  Waters. 

Young,  with  a  limited  education  and  an  empty  pocket, 
but  with  the  prayers  of  his  parents  for  his  usefulness  in 
the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  he  set  out  on  his  journey,  not 
knowing,  like  Abraham,  whither  he  was  going. 

He  found  friends  in  the  families  of  Revs.  Waters  and 
Foot,  much  interest  being  taken  in  and  shown  him  while 
Began  to  laboring  in  connection  with  them  in  the  extensive 
labor,  revivals  of  religion  that  prevailed  throughout  all 
that  region.  In  the  town  of  Trenton  he  became  ac- 
quainted with  a  Rev.  Mr.  Stowe  and  a  Miss  Mary 
Fowler,  (she  afterward  becoming  a  missionary  of  the  A. 
B.  of  F.  M.  to  India),  both  of  them  from  Oxbow,  Jeffer- 
son County,  N.  Y.  They  earnestly  requested  him  to  go 
to  that  place,  and  assist  in  meetings  in  that  vicinity. 
But  a  severe  attack  of  typhoid  fever  prostrated  him, 
during  which  time  he  was  faithfully  and  kindly  cared  for 


14  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

in  the  family  of  a  Mr.  Wiser.  After  his  recovery,  being 
repeatedly  solicited,  he  decided  it  was  the  Lord's  will 
that  he  should  go  to  Oxbow.  Arriving  there  in  the 
month  of  October,  he  assisted  in  organizing  a  temperance 
society,  also  conference  and  prayer-meetings,  with  great 
success. 

In  the  month  of  March,  1831,  he  went  to  the  village 
Visited  °f  Antwerp,  was  cordially  welcomed,  and  ever 
Antwerp,  afterward  kindly  entertained  in  the  family  of 
Mr.  A.  Whitford,  an  officer  in  a  small  Presbyterian  society, 
which  at  that  time  had  no  minister,  and. was  dependent 
on  the  Home  Mission  Society  for  preaching,  but  seldom 
had  any.  It  was  a  place  noted  for  all  kinds  of  immor- 
ality, especially  on  the  Lord's  day. 

He  did  not  expect  to  remain  but  a  few  days  in  that 
place,  but,  having  found  a  destitute  society,  that  had  been 
organized  in  18 19  with  eight  members,  desiring  to  see  a 
better  state  of  things  both  in  and  out  of  the  church,  being 
earnestly  solicited,  he  commenced  house-visiting  and 
holding  meetings,  giving  exhortations,  and  lecturing  on 
the  subject  of  temperance.  An  increasing  interest,  as 
well  as  numbers,  became  manifest  in  the  meetings,  not- 
withstanding the  frivolities,  carousals  and  drinking  so 
...  prevalent  among  .the  inhabitants.  He  remained 
in  revival  there  until  the  month  of  May,  and  there  were 
wor  "  some  fifteen  or  sixteen  hopeful  conversions.  He 
then  attended  several  protracted  meetings  in  that  region, 
at  Evans'  Mills,  Brown ville,  and  other  places. 

The  friends  in  Antwerp  were  very  reluctant  to  have 
him  leave.  He  had  such  hold  on  the  affections  of  the 
people,  especially  the  little  church,  they  hoped  and  prayed 
his   return   might    be    speedy  to    them.      Letters   were 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  15 

addressed  to  him  while  attending  the  meetings  at  the 
Health  above-named  places,  urging  his  return.  In  the 
failed,  month  of  August  his  health  became  so  poor  it 
was  thought  advisable  to  take  a  trip  across  the  lake 
to  Canada,  which,  though  attended  with  severe  sea- 
sickness, proved  beneficial.  He  was  invited  to  take 
part  in  meetings  at  B.,  in  Lower  Canada,  from  which 
afterwards  a  Christian  brother  wrote  to  have  him  come 
over  and  become  their  minister.  He  returned  to  Sackett's 
Harbor,  from  which  place  he  wrote  to  his  good  friend, 
Mr.  Whitford.  On  his  way  back  he  stopped  at  Cha- 
mount  Bay.  While  there  he  wrote  a  letter  to  his 
parents,  and  another  to  his  sister,  A.  M.,  whom  he  had 
recently  heard  had  become  a  Christian.  His  affectionate, 
winning  manners,  and  extensive  opportunities  to  become 
acquainted  with  human  nature,  made  him  successful  in 
obtaining  access  to  the  heart  and  conscience  of  those 
with  whom  he  conversed,  together  with  faithful  devotion 
to  his  precious  Bible  (which  he  called  his  "  sword  "),  and 
unceasing  secret  communion  with  God,  as  well  as  prayer 
and  exhortation  in  every  place  where  he  could  be  a  wit- 
ness in  the  cause  of  Christ.  These  were  all  instrumental 
of  his  success  in  that  village.  We  learn  the  result  of  his 
On  page  laDors  in  his  letter  to  his  dear  parents.  He 
continued  his  studies  until  the  month  of  March, 
1 83 1.  He  wrote  to  his  parents,  wishing  them  to  request 
a  letter  of  dismissal,  and  of  his  standing  in  the  church  of 
r .  ,  Troy.  He  obtained  his  request.  The  church  in 
to  preach  Antwerp  gave  him  a  call  to  become  their  minister. 
yRiver  ^n  ms  return>  >n  the  month  of  May,  1831,  he 
Associa-  applied  to  the  Black  River  Association  for,  and 
obtained  a  license  to  preach.     He  commenced  his 


16  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

labors  in  Antwerp,  and,  with  his  usual  enthusiasm, 
engaged  in  visiting  from  house  to  house,  and  three 
meetings  on  the  Sabbath,  and  as  many  or  more  during 
the  week.  A  gracious  work  of  grace  seemed  to  hover 
over  the  whole  community.  The  place  of  worship  became 
so  thronged  the  people  began  seriously  to  talk  about  a 
meeting-house.  They  felt  they  were  poor,  but  it  was 
thought  best  to  proceed  and  do  what  they  could.  A 
subscription  was  drawn  up,  a  building  committee  chosen, 
and  their  minister  chosen  their  agent,  which  was  a  great 
addition  to  his  labors,  both  of  body  and  mind ;  for  he 
still  felt  he  must  pursue  his  studies,  and  the  salvation  of 
souls  must  not  be  neglected.  However,  he  entered  into 
the  work,  remembering  the  Savior  worked  as  a  carpenter, 
and  "  came  to  minister,  and  not  to  be  ministered  unto." 
The  work  went  on ;  the  church  found  the  Lord  on  the 
giving  hand,  ready  to  open  the  windows  of  Heaven  and 
pour  out  a  blessing  when  the  hearts  and  hands  were  open 
to  the  requirements  of  their  spiritual  wants. 

September  5th,  1831,  he  passed  a  critical  examination 
.   before    the    Black    River    Association,   and   was 

Accepted 

as  Licen-  accepted  as  a  licentiate  of  that  body,  to  preach  in 
hate.  ajj  ^e  churches  the  Gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  They  ever  afterward  found  him  to  be  one  of  the 
most  efficient  laborers  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  His 
counsels  and  prayers  will  long  be  remembered  as  a  true 
brother  in  the  ministry,  denying  himself  to  promote  the 
spiritual  good  of  all  the  churches  where  Providence  called 
him  to  labor  in  the  cause  of  Christ.  He  was  eminently 
successful  in  Sunday-schools  and  in  the  cause  of  moral 
purity,  and  all  his  energies  were  called  out  in  the  promo- 
tion   of   the    temperance    and    anti-slavery    enterprises. 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICK.ES.  17 

Always  discountenancing  profanity,  consecrating  the  Sab- 
bath as  a  day  blessed  of  Heaven,  especially  in  the 
dispensation  of  Divine  truth  for  the  conviction  and 
conversion  of  souls  to  God;  remembering  ALWAYS  to 
pray  without  ceasing  for  the  aid  of  t  lie  Holy  Spirit.  He 
continued  his  active  labors  in  Antwerp  until  the  meeting- 
house was  finished,  and  an  ordained  minister  was 
employed.  He  then  pursued  his  studies,  following  the 
leading  of  Providence.  In  the  month  of  May,  1832,  he 
was  requested  to  go  to  Stow's  Square,  Lewis  County, 
The  church  in  that  place  had  no  minister.  The  Sunday- 
school  was  languishing;  the  Superintendent,  discouraged, 
said  "  it  was  no  use  to  try  to  keep  it  up  on  the  Sabbath, 
as  they  had  no  preaching;  the  parents  would  not  come 
out  to  reading  meetings  and  bring  their  children."  Some 
members  had  gone  to  other  societies,  numbers  had  moved 
away,  and  some  esteemed  "  pillars "  had  died.  Truly, 
prospects  looked   dark  and  forbidding.     On  his 

Arrival  at,         .       ,  .  .  .         .  .      , 

and  labors  arrival,  a  notice  was  given  out   in   the  week-day 
in  Stow's  school  that  a  vomi^  licentiate  would  preach  at  the 

Square.  J  b  f 

meeting-house  on  the  Sabbath,  and  also  meet  with 
the  Sabbath-school  after  service;  and  though  a  stranger 
in  the  place,  it  may  well  be  imagined  a  good  congregation 
assembled,  and  their  anticipations  were  more  than  realized 
or  gratified,  and  the  Sabbath-school  greatly  encouraged. 
"  The  Lord  was  there,"  aiding  in  the  dispensation  of  truth, 
and  stimulated  Christians  to  pray.  Meetings  were 
appointed  for  prayer  and  conference,  and  soon  a  cloud  ot 
mercy  betokened  a  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord.  The  young  preacher  visited  and  prayed,  expostu- 
lated with  indifferent  professors  in  his  affectionate  man- 
ner, and  warned  the  impenitent  by  timely  exposition  of 


18  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

Scripture,  desiring  them  to  listen  to  the  providences  of 
God,  which  were  frequently  occurring  in  the  voice  of  mor- 
tality around  them;  the  uncertainty  of  life;  the  certainty 
of  death,  the  need  of  securing  "the  one  thing  needful," 
which  NOW  was  freely  offered  them,  which  was  the  only 
accepted  time.  (His  labors  were  arrested  for  a  few  days 
by  his  being  taken  down  with  the  fever  and  ague.  This 
increased  the  anxiety  of  the  community,  having  become 
considerably  enlisted  in  the  all-important  subject  of 
religion  ;  but  a  kind  Providence  soon  permitted  him  to  ride, 
and  carry  the  good  news  of  peace  on  earth  and  good  will 
to  men.)  A  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  and  confession  of 
sin  was  appointed;  a  protracted  meeting  was  suggested; 
an  invitation  was  sent  to  Rev.  Mr.  Burchard  to  come  and 
lead  the  sacramental  host  of  God.  The  people  all  united 
harmoniously  in  prayer  and  in  increased  effort,  and  in 
every  way  to  be  ready  for  the  conflict  at  hand.  The 
spirit  of  God  pervaded  the  mass  of  mind.  The  house  of 
worship  was  thoroughly  cleansed.  A  room  and  seats  for 
all  inquirers  were  prepared,  with  provisions  for  light,  etc. 
The  day  appointed  to  commence  Mr.  B.  did  not  arrive, 
on  account  of  sickness,  but  the  meeting  was  opened  with 
prayer,  and  the  work  of  the  Lord  went  on.  It  was  evi- 
dently His  own  work;  there  was  no  halting.  Ministers 
around  came  in.  They  were  surprised  and  astonished. 
Some  consecrated  themselves,  and  entered  the  work. 
T,  .  There  was  no  unusual  noise.      The  enemy  stood 

Extensive 

work  of   aghast.      "  The  slain  of  the  Lord  were  many." 
grace.      „  pQr  Thy  name's  sakC)  oh>  Lord  Qod    Qf  Tsrael  1" 

went  up  from  the  sanctuary,  from  every  altar  of  prayer  in 
the  social  circle,  and  around  the  family  altar.  Truly, 
every  room  was  a  consecrated  spot,  from  the  cellar  to  the 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  19 

attic.  In  the  barns,  in  the  orchards,  and  in  the  woods, 
all  were  vocal  with  the  voice  of  supplication,  the  very  air 
echoing  the  sincerity  of  the  petitions  that  were  offered. 
During  the  entire  convocation  there  was  no  unnecessary 
confusion  apparent.  It  seemed  like  the  glorious  Advent, 
when  the  shepherds  were  watching  their  flocks  by  night. 
On  the  fourth  day  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burchard  arrived,  and 
entered  immediately  into  the  work.  A  room  was  appro- 
priated for  her  use,  and  the  little  children  flocked  around 
her  for  religious  instruction.  The  Holy  Spirit  graciously 
blessed  her  endeavors  to  draw  them  to  Jesus.  How 
precious  the  promises  appeared  to  the  little  ones,  and 
their  thirsty  souls  were  ready  to  drink  the  truth ;  while 
at  the  same  hour  it  came  rolling  down  from  the  pulpit, 
just  as  the  moral  law  came  issuing  from  Mount  Sinai  to 
the  wondering  multitudes  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain. 
In  the  crowded  anxious  room  Mr.  Wickes  and  Mr.  Mon- 
roe, with  laboring  Christian  brethren,  faithful  to  their 
trust,  were  with  prayerful  interest  leading  inquiring  sin- 
ners to  the  foot  of  the  blessed  cross  of  their  Divine  Lord. 
There  had  been  repeated  revivals  and  protracted  efforts, 
in  which  great  good  had  been  done  in  the  cause 
of  Christ,  at  Stow's  Square.  God  had  blessed  and 
graciously  given  success  to  the  honored  instruments, 
whose  memory  is  still  "  like  as  ointment  poured  forth ;" 
but  such  as  was  now  in  progress  had  never  before  been 
witnessed — so  extensive,  so  harmonious.  And  when  the 
multitude  from  abroad  dispersed  at  the  close  of  the  meet- 
ings, Christians  felt  the  importance  of  the  Savior's  com- 
mand to  "  watch  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  tempta- 
tion, and  be  not  weary  of  well-doing." 


CHAPTEE  III. 


PASTORAL   LABORS. 

R.  WICKES  continued  his  incessant  labors  with 
this  people,  except  at  intervals,  when  called 
to  attend  other  successful  protracted  efforts. 
Father  Dutton  of  Champion  exchanged  pulpits  with 
him,  to  receive  a  large  accession  of  members  into  the 
church,  who  then  saw  the  importance  of  having  an 
ordained  minister. 

They  accordingly  requested  the  Black  River  Associa- 
Ordina-  tlon  to  ordain  Mr.  W.,  and  with  several  other 
tion.  candidates  he  was  ordained  Feb.  6th,  1833. 
The  important  and  solemn  vows  then  made  had  a  great 
influence  on  his  spiritual  life  in  after  years,  as  well  as  use- 
fulness in  building  up  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom.     Faithful  labors  were  much  needed. 

The  Lord  Jesus  taught  his  disciples  to  pray  "the 
Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  laborers  into  his  har- 
vest, for  the  harvest  was  great  but  the  laborers  were 
few."  The  instruction  of  young  converts,  the  Sabbath 
School,  also  the  eradicating  intemperance  from  the  church 
as  well  as  the  community,  and  the  intolerable  crying  sin 
of  slavery  demanded  that  ministers  of  the  gospel  "  should 
lift  up  their  warning  voices  and  cry  aloud  and  spare  not." 
The  Sabbath  preceding  June  1 8th,  1833  Mr.  Wickes 
Marriage,  invited  the  entire  congregation  to  be  present  on 

20 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  21 

Tuesday  evening  at  the   solemnization  of  the   marriage 
ceremony  which  was  to  take  place. 

Long  before  the  appointed  hour,  every  available  spot 
was  filled  about  the  church  with  vehicles  of  every  imagin- 
able description  from  all  the  surrounding  country.  The 
Rev.  C.  D.  Pickens  of  Lowville  took  his  place  in  front  of 
the  tall  old  fashioned  pulpit,  as  Mr.  Wickes  and  Miss 
Cynthia  Wilcox,  daughter  of  Capt.  Jesse  Wilcox,  and 
preceded  by  Mr.  Townsend  and  Miss  Maria  Brigham 
took  their  places  facing  the  congregation,  Mr.  Pickens 
pronounced  the  words  which  made  them  husband  and 
wife,  when  to  the  surprise  of  all  but  a  few,  Mr.  Wickes 
and  bride  turned  around  and  the  second  couple  took  their 
places  and  were  by  him  united  in  marriage.  The  four 
then  took  their  seats  when  Mr.  Pickens  ascended  to  the 
pulpit,  and  delivered  a  discourse*  from  the  text  Matt. 
XIX:  6.  "What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together  let 
not  man  put  asunder."     Writh  the  following  heads: 

I.  God  hath  joined  together  church  and  ministry. 

II.  God  hath  joined  holiness  and  happiness,  let  no 
man  separate  them. 

III.  God  hath  joined  sin  and  misery,  and  no  man  can 
separate  them. 

IV.  God  hath  joined  man  and  wife.  Let  none  sever 
the  holy  wedlock  that  God  sanctions.  The  happiness  ot 
families,  neighborhoods,  communities  and  nations  depends 
on  the  sacredness  of  this  institution. 

They  immediately  made  a  short  visit  to  his  parents 

Visi(.   t0  at  Albany,  N.  Y.      He  remained  in  Stows  Square 

Parents,  over   four   years,  the  last  of  which  he  spent   a 

portion  of  his  time  as  secretary  for  the  Sabbath  School 

Pastorate.  Union  Society  of  Lewis  Co.,  and  when  winding 

*  This  was  culled  from  memory  of  the  author. 


22  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

up  his  labors,  the  State  Secretary  of  S.  S.,  wrote  him  not 
to  "leave  at  his  peril;"  the  children  throughout  the 
county  knew  and  were  drawn  to  him  by  his  friendly 
manner  to  them. 

Among  other  calls,  was  the  earnest  repeated  solicita- 
c  tions  of  the  church  in  Antwerp,  to  come  back 

Ant-  to  that  place.  After  much  prayer  and  fasting, 
werp"  he  concluded  it  was  the  Lord's  will  that  he  should 
turn  his  steps  that  way.  In  Sept.,  1836,  he  moved  there 
with  his  family.  This  change  was  a  new  era  in  his  life. 
When  he  went  to  Antwerp  in  1831,  he  was  but  a  strip- 
ling, David  like,  with  only  his  "  sling  and  stone."  Now 
he  had  become  somewhat  acquainted  with  the  campaigns 
of  war,  and  though  he  had  a  great  desire  for  the  good 
of  the  place,  yet  to  lay  a  new  siege  when  the  enemy 
had  barricaded  it  on  every  side,  looked  rather  formid- 
able. The  church  still  depended  on  the  Home  Mission- 
ary  Society  for  aid.  Through  Mr.  Wickes  influ- 
friendiy  ence,  being  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  Black  River 
aid-  Religious  Institute,  Mr.  Whitford  had  been 
appointed  Professor  of  Mathemathics  and  was  just 
moving  his  family  to  Watertown,  whose  counsels  and 
sympathy  had  been  like  parents,  and  the  loss  of  their 
important  help  he  severely  felt,  still  there  were  other 
dear  friends  and  the  Lord  who  had  been  his  helper  was 
the  same,  his  cause  was  just  as  dear  to  him  and  where 
he  looked  for  help  in  every  approaching  trial. 

The  church  and  society  soon  began  to  gird  themselves 

State  of  UP  for  the  work,  though  iniquity  had,  and  was, 

Society,   rolling  in  like  a  flood,  it  was  evident  "  the  Lord 

did  lift  up  a   standard    against   it,"  for  soon  they  were 

enabled  to  support  the  gospel  without  the  aid  of  foreign 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  23 

help.  Immoralities  and  errors  in  practice  and  doctrine 
began  to  disappear  before  the  light  of  truth.  Christians 
of  different  names  became  more  harmonious,  ran  together 
for  prayer  and  conference.  Four  years  and  a  half,  not  a 
month  and  but  a  few  weeks  passed  it  was  thought  but 
there  were  conversions  to  the  Lord  Jesus. 

Mr.  W.  gave  frequent  lectures  on  temperance  and 
anti-slavery,  in  the  neighborhoods  around.  Sometimes 
,   ,  ,  .     in  late  hours  become  so  weary  he  would  fall  asleep 

Indefatig-  , 

able      on  his  way  home  in  his  vehicle,  while  the  sagacity 

Labors.   Qf  j^    fajthful  horse    would  take   him    through 

diverging  cross  roads,  and  snow  banks  in  safety,  or  give 

some  signal  for  direction.     In  those  indefatigable  labors 

there     were   good    brethren    in    the    church    that     often 

accompanied  and  strengthened  him  in  the  work  of  the 

Lord. 

Sabbath        The  Sabbath  School  numbered  some  over  a 

Work,    hundred  and  fifty  while  he  was  superintendent. 

Preaching  on  the  seventh  commandment  to  the  annoy- 

_  .  ance  of  some  fastidious  persons,  one  of  the  trus- 

ts eforma-  x 

tory  tees  told  him  he  had  preached  the  bread  out  of 
Labor.  ^js  j^ou^.  }-jjs  reply  was,  that  he  must  preach 
the  truth  whether  men  would  hear  or  forbear.  A  clerk 
in  one  of  the  stores  said  to  one  of  the  elders  a  day  or 
two  after,  Mr.  W.  had  preached  most  immodest  language 
and  to  prove  it  took  out  of  his  pocket  a  slip  of  paper 
on  which  he  had  penciled  several  sentences,  the  elder 
showed  him  they  were  passages  from  the  Bible,  he  was 
speechless.  Mr.  W.  was  threatened  with  being  rode  on 
a  rail,  etc.  The  ladies  met  and  organized  a  Moral  Reform 
society  auxiliary  to  the  parent  society  in  New  York. 
In  a  few  months  there  were  a  hundred  names  enrolled, 


24  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

and  twenty  copies  of  the  Moral  Reform  Advocate 
and  Family  Guardian  subscribed  for  and  distributed 
monthly,  also  a  sufficient  sum  raised  for  a  life  member- 
ship for  their  pastor's  wife.  "The  pure  in  heart  shall 
see  God "  said  our  blessed  Saviour.  They  did  not  cease 
their  efforts,  the  ladies  repeatedly  sent  delegates  to  the 
conventions  at  Utica  also  Mr.  W.  was  sent  as  a  dele- 
gate at  the  same  time  and  place,  to  the  anti-slavery  con- 
vention. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


CORRESPONDENCE,  DURING  HIS  EARLY 
MINISTRY. 


HE  following  extracts  from  correspondence  during 

the  early  ministry  of  Mr.  Wickes  are  given  as 

showing   the  blessed   outpouring  of  the    Holy 

Spirit  while  engaged  in  his  arduous  labors,  and  his  entire 

dependence  on  God  during  the  years  of  his  pastoral  work. 

Written    to    L.  A.  Wickes    from    ANTWERP,    May 

16th,  1 83 1. 

Dear  Sir. 

You  will  doubtless  be  willing  and  perhaps  desirous  to 

hear  concerning  the  Sabbath  here,  I    send  a  few 
Letter       ... 

from  lines  inclosed  in  your  bundle.  Elder  Grey  was 
ntwerp.  ^ere,  and  the  largest  congregation  was  assembled 
that  has  met  during  this  season,  but  from  what  I  could 
gather  from  the  conversation  of  many  nearly  all  were 
disappointed.  The  day  was  fine,  and  the  weather 
extremely  warm,  but  the  north  wind  which  was  blown 
upon  the  soul  from  the  mouth  of  the  Greenlander  so 
chilled  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  God  that  it  caused 
many  to  shake.  Our  prayer  meeting  in  the  evening 
was  conducted  with  the  same  spirit.  The  house  was 
crowded  with  the  vain  and  giddy  youth,  and  many  of 
the  professors  felt  an  anguish  of  soul  for  their  lost  con- 
dition when  they  entered  the  house.  But  Satan  came 
2  25 


26  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

also.  Our  leader  opened  the  meeting  with  a  lengthy 
prayer,  and  immediately  commenced  talking  and  con- 
tinued his  cold  heartless  conversation  for  near  an  hour. 
The  effect  was  visible  upon  every  heart,  upon  the 
impenitent  as  well  as  upon  the  professor.  Many  of  the 
impenitent  left  the  house  before  he  had  done  speaking. 
The  prayers  which  were  afterwards  made  seemed  to  par- 
take of  the  climate  and  air  that  surrounded  them.  Our 
meeting  broke  up  and  the  congregation  dispersed,  but  not 
with  that  satisfaction  which  was  visible  the  Friday  even- 
ing previous.  We  had  a  funeral  discourse  delivered  last 
Thursday  by  Br.  H.,  well  calculated  to  keep  up  the 
courage  of  the  wicked  to  persevere  in  their  wickedness.  I 
think  that  S.  himself  could  not  have  done  better.  He 
(H.)  has  left  another  appointment  for  the  next  Sabbath 
to  preach  all  day.  You  will  doubtless  understand  why- 
he  means  to  preach  here  on  Sabbath ;  we  have  gathered 
a  little  of  the  reasons  from  some  of  his  society  but  I 
forbear  to  mention  them,  God  can  bring  good  out  of  evil. 
And  now,  dear  sir,  we  wish  you  to  consult  the  Lord,  and 
see  if  it  will  not  be  for  His  glory  and  for  the  interest  of 
the  blessed  Redeemer  that  you  should  be  here  next 
Sabbath  at  least.  Much  anxiety  prevails  among  the  pro- 
fessors and  there  is  manifested  a  very  great  disappoint- 
ment among  the  impenitent.  Oh  that  God  would  direct. 
I  am  sensible  that  some  are  willing  to  trust  the  Lord 
but  how  many  put  their  whole  trust  in  Him,  He  alone 
knows.  If  you  should  attend  the  meeting  at  Brownsville 
I  beseech  you  to  have  us  remembered  in  your  prayers. 
We  hope  your  return  will  not  be  long  protracted. 

Yours  in  the  Lord, 
L.  A.  WrICKES.  Archd.  Whitford. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  27 

Antwerp,  May  23rd,  1831. 
Dear  Brother. 

I  this  moment  received  your  letter  of  the  1 8th,  having 
received  the  one  you  wrote  the  20th,  on  Saturday 

Situation  J  h  •* 

in  last,  first  having  been  mislaid,  I  did  not  receive  in 
Antwerp.  seasoru  T/he  reason  why  I  trouble  you  with  a 
letter  so  soon,  is  because  I  find  no  mention  made  in 
either  of  your  letters  concerning  your  having  received 
the  clothing  you  sent  for  by  R.  Randall,  but  on  the 
contrary  it  appears  from  the  date  of  the  1 8th,  that  you 
had  not  received  them.  They  were  sent  agreeable  to 
your  request  by  the  stage  on  Monday  the  16th,  and 
until  this  morning  I  had  supposed  you  to  have  received 
them.  With  regard  to  the  contents  of  your  letter  as 
respects  the  coldness  of  our  church  you  will  know 
when  you  get  here,  and  if  you  think  it  not  best  to 
stay  with  us  may  the  Lord  direct  you,  much  anxiety 
prevails  for  your  return  nevertheless.  If  you  do  not  stay 
and  it  is  the  Lord's  will  we  must  submit. 

Yours  in  haste, 

Archd.  Whitforu. 


Sackets  Harbor,  July  20th,  1831. 
Dear  Brother  Whitford. 

I  take  a  moment's  opportunity  to  inform  you,  that  I  am 
Answer  to anve  as  Ye^  although  my  health  is  very  poor, 
above  y[y  lungs  are  in  a  very  precarious  condition,  I  can 
not  talk  but  a  very  few  minutes  without  injuring  them 
very  much.  I  have  taken  a  trip  to  Kingston,  U.  C.  On 
my  return  I  was  so  sea-sick  that  I  stood  over  the  side  ot 
the  steam  boat  about  twenty  miles,  I  think  it  will  be  for 
my  good,  but  it  was  a  hard  medicine.     But  as  is  the  old 


28  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

saying,  "  no  smart  no  cure."  I  attended  a  prayer  meeting 
in  Kingston  and  you  may  judge  whether  I  kept  my  tongue 
still  or  not.  I  received  many  pressing  invitations  to  stay 
at  Brockville,  the  minister  of  that  place  was  at  Kingston. 
He  acted  as  tho'  the  thunderings  of  the  Almighty  were 
breaking  over  his  head.  He  said  he  could  "not  get  more 
than  six  or  seven  of  his  church  together,  for  a  prayer 
meeting."  I  told  him  he  had  not  got  the  carcass  there, 
for  where  the  carcass  was  the  eagles  would  be  gathered 
together.  I  told  them  there  was  not  smell  enough,  to 
draw  them  together,  for  probably  one  eagle  might  eat  up 
all  his  meat. 

The  church  in  Antwerp  is  not  the  worst  yet.  I  am 
glad  Mr.  W.  has  accepted  the  invitation  which  was 
written  to  him  in  behalf  of  the  church.  I  hope  he  will 
suit  all,  for  if  he  does,  you  can  have  a  meeting  house. 
Although  he  may  not  be  as  powerful  as  some  other  men, 
yet  he  will  be  a  leader  for  you,  and  is  able  to  give 
you  good  doctrine,  and  you  know  if  you  only  PRAY,  his 
words  will  be  blessed,  and  your  church  will  be  built  up. 
And  Dear  Brother  you  MUST  pray  for  there  never  was 
a  time,  when  this  county  was  in  such  commotion  as  at 
the  present,  for  the  devil  is  on  his  stilts,  trying  to 
raise  the  flag-staff  of  hell.  If  there  ever  was  a  time 
when  Michael  and  his  angels  were  contending  with 
the  devil,  and  his  angels,  it  is  now.  And  if  ever  the 
church  was  called  upon  to  pray  it  is  now. 

And  to  the  church  I  would  say,  do  not  let  a  moment 
To  the  Pass  unoccupied,  f°r  a  moment  gone  is  gone  to  all 
r.hurch  in  eternity.  If,  beloved  friends,  God  has  brought 
Antwerp.  you  from  darkness  to  ligilt)  jet  that  light  shine  and 

break  forth  into  a  great  flame,  for  the  children  of  God  are 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  29 

the  light  of  the  world,  a  city  that  is  set  on  a  hill  which  can 
not  be  hid."  If  you  have  the  Lord  for  your  portion  who 
can  be  against  you.  The  enemy  of  souls  would  delight  to 
have  you  sleep,  but  you  are  of  the  day,  (if  you  are  God's 
by  regeneration,)  and  therefore  must  not  sleep,  but  be  up 
and  doing,  the  more  you  devote  yourself  to  God  the 
greater  will  be  your  blessing,  and  as  I  have  often  told 
you  (and  yourself  also  know)  that  salvation  must  come 
out  of  Zion.  Do  not  rest  'till  she  shall  bring  forth  sons 
and  daughters  unto  God.  Take  the  same  promise  that 
God  gives,  and  hand  it  back  to  him  as  an  argument  why 
he  should  bless  you.  "  When  the  enemy  shall  come  in 
like  a  flood,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a  standard 
against  him."  This  promise  you  may  plead  in  Antwerp. 
Do  not  be  discouraged,  if  you  do  not  SEE  the  rain 
descending,  for  Elijah  prayed  seven  /hues  and  kept  his 
servant  running  to  the  top  of  the  mountain  to  see  if  the 
cloud  arose.  But  do  not  pray  once,  and  then  stop,  but 
continue  praying  for  one  thing  until  you  get  it.  And  be 
careful  that  you  do  not  limit  God  by  asking  him  for  little 
things,  and  thinking  He  will  not  give  great  things,  for 
the  greatest  thing  for  which  you  can  ask,  is  but  a  small 
thing  for  Him  to  give,  and  pray  with  all  your  soul.  I 
do  not  always  forget  you  when  I  go  to  God  in  prayer. 
Tho"  my  body  may  be  absent  from  you,  yet  my  spirit  is 
often  with  you.  Perseverance  in  prayer,  will  accomplish 
almost  anything,  that  is  if  you  pray  in  the  Spirit.  There- 
fore go  forth  breaking  your  pitchers,  holding  up  the 
light,  and  sounding  the  trumpet,  that  is  breaking  the 
heart,  the  light  of  the  gospel  may  be  seen.  I  often  feel 
as  tho'  I  could  not  stay  away  from  you.  But  beloved 
friends  I  do  not  know  as  God  will  ever  let  me  speak  to 


30  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

you  again.  But  I  shall  visit  you,  how  soon  I  can  not 
tell,  but  I  shall  come  as  soon  as  God  will.  And  now 
tho'  I  am  far  from  you,  yet  feeling  a  great  interest  in  the 
eternal  welfare  of  that  people,  I  would  make  a  request, 
that  in  every  petition  which  you  offer  to  God,  to  remem- 
ber the  dear  youth  of  Antwerp,  and  I  do  endeavor  to  do 
the  same,  probably  when  they  are  resting  on  their  beds 
of  ease  at  midnight.  And  always  remember  to  pray  for 
your  most  unworthy  friend  and  unfaithful  brother  in  the 
Lord. 

To  Archd.  Whitford.         Lewis  A.  Wickes. 
About  a  month  later  he  writes  to  his  parents  from 

Chamount,  Aug.  12th,  1831. 
Most  Affectionate  and  Dear  Parents: 

You    undoubtedly  feel  anxious  to  hear  from  me  by 

Aug,  12,   this  time,  as  the  last  letter  which   I   wrote  was 

S?       on  the  steam  boat    on  Lake  Ontario.     I  visited 

Cha- 
mount.  Kingston,  and  returned  to  Sacketts  Harbor,  and 

was  as    sea-sick  as   I    want  to  be.      Since  that    I  have 

been   traveling  from   place   to  place   and   my  health  has 

improved  very  much,  especially  since  I  came  here.     The 

bay  separates  the  village,  (if  village  it  may  be  called.)      It 

lays    about    half    way    between    Brownville     and    Cape 

Vincent,  on  the  stage  road.     It  is  called  a  sickly  place, 

but  thus  far  it  has  been  a  benefit  to  my  health,  whatever 

it  ma\'  prove  hereafter.     There  has  been  a   seven  days 

meeting  here,  and  the  number  attending  was  very  small. 

I    presume  there  were  not  over  one  hundred  impenitent 

souls  who  attended  the  meeting.     Out  of  that  number 

about  thirty  were  hopefully  converted,   which  we  think 

was    encouraging,  taking    all   things    into    consideration. 

The  preaching  was  in  a  small  barn  half  filled  with  hay 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  3.1 

and  some  of  the  people  had  not  a  Bible  in  their  houses, 
and  some  hardly  knew  enough  to  read  one  if  they  had  it. 
Some  houses  where  I  visited,  the  pigs,  geese  and  children 
were  all  in  the  straw   together.     But  this  is  not  a  fair 
specimen  of  all  the  inhabitants,  for  there  are  some  quite 
intelligent  and  very  nice  people,  and  fine  stone  buildings. 
There  are  Presbyterians,  Congregationalists,  Close  Com- 
munion,   Open    Communion,  Free  Will  and  Seven  Day 
Baptists,    Methodists,    Christians,  Universalists,    Deists, 
Atheists,   Nothingarians    and    Every thingarians,   in    this 
town  ( Lyme).     I  have  rowed  from  place  to  place,  so  much 
from  one  side  of  the  bay  to  the  other  I  have  made  several 
blisters  on  my  hands.     Yet  it  is  pleasant  to  work  where 
the  harvest  is  already  ripe  and  the  Lord  is  going  before 
us.     I  often  feel  that  the  task,  or  rather  the  work,  is  too 
great  for  me  to  touch.     Yet  God  uses  the  feeble  means 
which  men  would  despise,  to  build  up  his'  own  cause  and 
in  so  doing  may  be  seen  more  visibly  the  power  and  glory 
of  God.     It  may  be  said  that  the  harvest  truly  is  great 
and  the  laborers  are  few,  pray  YE  therefore  the  Lord  of 
the  harvest  to  send  forth  laborers  into  the  vineyard.     I 
have  had  so  many  invitations  from  one  place  and  another 
that  my  greatest  trial  is  to  find  out  what  duty  is.      I 
expect  to  go  to  Cape  Vincent  Tuesday  next  to  attend 
a  four  days  meeting  and  as  requests  are  quite  urgent,  may 
continue  the  meeting  some  days  longer,  if  the  providence 
of  God  seem  to  favor  it.     The  Lord  is  at  work  through 
this  whole  region,  and  the  devil  rages  with  all  his  might. 
He  is  walking  on  his  stilts,  and  swinging  his  hat,  and  the 
dialect  of  hell  rolling  from  his  lips.     I  would  write  much 
more  but  time  will  not  permit.     As  soon  as  I  can  get 
time  I  have  a  sheet  fnll  for  sister  A.  M.     Give  my  love 


32  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

to  all  and  tell  them  to  pray  for  your  most  unworthy  son. 

LEWIS  A.  WICKES. 

P.  S.  We  have  been  here  about  three  weeks  and 
formed  a  Presbyterian  church  of  about  thirty  members, 
besides  what  go  to  the  Baptist  and  Methodist,  and  I 
formed  a  Sabbath  school  of  forty  children. 

L.  A.  W. 
The    promised  letter  to  his   sister  seeems   so   full  of 
Letter  to  Christian  experience  and  so  well   adapted  to  in- 

sister,     struct   the  young  it  will  be  its  own  apology  for 

1831. '   its  appearance  in  full. 

Antwerp,  Oct.  u.  1831. 
My  Very  Dear  Sister  : 

I  thought  that  this  evening  should  be  devoted  to  writ- 
ing a  short  letter  to  you,  but  my  room  has  been  filled 
with  company  till  this  very  moment  (now  about  half-past 
eleven  o'clock).  But  if  I  do  not  avail  myself  of  this 
opportunity  I  know  not  when  I  shall  find  time  to  write, 
for  I  am  busy  from  morning  to  morning  generally.  God,  I 
believe,  grants  me  his  helping  hand.  *  *  *  *  And 
I  will  keep  my  promise  to  write  to  you.  I  am  told,  Dear 
Sister,  "you  have  found  an  interest  in  the  Blessed 
Redeemer  since  1  left  Troy."  This  is  the  greatest  blessing 
which  the  Lord  could  have  given  you,  if  it  is  founded 
upon  the  Rock. 

I  find  the  best  thing  I  can  do  is  to  often  commune 
with  my  own  heart  and  converse  with  God.  You  are 
not  altogether  unacquainted  with  your  heart,  if  you  are 
a  Christian,  yet  you  cannot  know  too  much  about  it  and 
a  little  advice  I  here  would  give  you,  if  you  will  accept  of 
it  from  so  unworthy  a  brother  as  I  am. 

And    in    doing    this,   I    would    recommend  that   you 


LEWIS  ALFRED   VVICKES.  33 

become  acquainted  with  a  few  things  which  I  will  men- 
tion, and  the  reasons  why : 

And,  First,  you  should  become  ACQUAINTED  with  the 
character  of  God.  You  will  find,  the  more  you  see  of 
the  beauties  and  holiness  of  God,  the  more  lovely  it  will 
appear  and  the  more  you  will  desire  to  see  of  His  excel- 
lencies, and  therefore  you  will  see  more  of  your  own  vile- 
ness  and  sin,  which  will  cause  you  to  be  oftener  at  the 
throne  of  grace,  till  you  may  feel,  when  comparing  with 
God's  purity,  to  say  with  Job,  "  I  abhor  myself  and 
repent  in  dust  and  ashes."  And  the  more  of  your  sins 
you  see,  the  nearer  you  will  approach  to  God,  till  life 
shall  end.  You  will  feel  more  of  the  obligations  you  are 
under  to  God  and  the  easier  you  will  discover  the  hidings 
of  God's  face.  For  when  a  Christian  lives  in  the  dark, 
he  is  entirely  insensible  of  his  real  condition. 

And  in  the  second  place,  I  would  advise  you  to 
become  well  acquainted  with  your  own  heart.  The  heart 
is  deceitful  above  all  things  and  desperately  wicked. 
One  great  reason  why  so  many  persons  imbibe  error  is 
because  they  have  no  real  knowledge  of  their  own  hearts. 
They  do  not  love  the  idea  of  looking  into  their  hearts. 
But  the  Christian  may  live  so  as  to  have  the  Grace  of 
God  so  apparent  that  it  may  be  his  spiritual  barometer 
to  guide  his  spiritual  life. 

Some  people  wonder  why  it  is  that  the  nearer  the 
Christian  comes  to  the  Spirit  of  the  Savior  the  more 
wickedness  there  is  in  his  heart.  But  their  wonder  is 
not  in  the  right  channel.  There  is  no  more  wickedness, 
but  more  light  coming  in  shows  what  is  contained  in  the 
heart.  To  illustrate  my  meaning,  take  a  simple  compar- 
ison.    For  instance,  you   sweep  a    dusty    room  which  is 


34  LIFE    AND  LETTERS  OF 

perfectly  dark  and  you  discover  no  dust  at  all.  You 
open  a  shutter  and  let  in  a  little  light  you  will  discover 
some  dust,  you  open  another  shutter  and  let  in  a  little 
more  light  and  you  see  more,  you  open  a  third  and  still 
mor.-,  and  so  on,  till  so  much  light  comes  into  the  room 
that  the  dust  appears  so  dense  that  it  seems  almost 
impossible  for  you  to  breathe.  Now  there  is  no  more  dust 
in  the  last  case  than  in  the  first,  when  the  room  was 
perfectly  dark,  but  the  light  has  shown  what  was  in  the 
room.  Just  so  with  the  Christian's  heart.  The  more 
Gospel  Light  there  is  shining  into  it  the  more  the  pollu- 
tion of  his  heart  it  presents  to  him,  yet  it  creates  none, 
but  is  the  instrument  of  driving  sin  from  its  throne. 
And  in  becoming  more  acquainted  with  your  heart  it  will 
cause  you  to  be  more  devoted  and,  my  Dear  Sister,  a 
praying  Christian  is  worth  all  other  kinds  of  Christians. 
But  this  subject  comes  in  more  fully,  bye  and  bye.  I 
shall  therefore  close  for  this  time,  as  it  is  now  about  half- 
past  one.  Should  this  be  my  last  hour  to-night,  how 
should  I  appear  before  God's  awful  bar?  A  glorious 
thought  that  enters  the  whole  soul  and  runs  through 
the  mind.  God  is  just  and  all  will  be  well  and  my  trust 
is  all  stayed  on  His  Almighty  Arm,  who  says  :  "  Fear 
not,  I  am  thy  shield  and  thy  exceeding  great  reward." 

Wednesday  morning,  Oct.  12th.  Another  and  Third 
subject  you  should  acquaint  yourself  with  is  the  Devil. 
If  an  enemy  is  about  to  break  into  a  house  and  you  wish 
to  guard  against  the  attack  you  will  want  to  understand 
the  manner  he  is  expected  to  attack  or  break  in,  for  then 
you  will  be  prepared  to  meet  him.  If  you  are  not 
acquainted  with  the  devices  of  the  Devil,  he  may  enter 
into  the  heart  and  damage  the  furniture  there  before  you 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  35 

are  aware.  And  here  I  would  say,  if  I  may  be  allowed 
to  express  my  mind;  A  cold,  stupid,  professor's  head 
is  the  best  workshop  the  Devil  ever  had,  and  you  will 
find,  the  more  you  acquaint  yourself  with  the  character 
of  the  Devil,  the  better  prepared  you  will  be  to  guard 
against  his  wiles.  And  he  is  a  subtile  fellow  and  tries 
every  way  possible  to  enter  into  the  heart  of  the  Chris- 
tian. Hut  if  you  will  only  watch  and  pray  you  will  be 
able  to  discern  his  character.  But  without  prayer  you 
will  be  so  completely  under  the  direction  of  his  diabolical 
influence  that  you  will  oppose  much  of  the  real  piety 
with  which  every  Christian  should  be  endowed.  This 
is  the  reason  why  so  many  professors  are  found  quarrel- 
ing with  the  dealings  of  the  Almighty.  They  have  not 
grace  enough  to  take  as  low  a  station  as  God  delights  to 
bless.  And  because  God  delights  to  bless  those  who 
appear  and  really  are  humble,  they  will  often  raise  their 
reproachful  hand  against  the  child  of  God.  And  now, 
sister,  let  these  few  suggestions  not  be  wholly  lost. 
They  are  the  commencement  of  a  few  hints  that  ma)-  run 
off  the  point  of  my  pen. 

I  might  have  been  more  lengthy  on  each  topic,  but 
time  will  not  permit.  I  have  been  appointed  agent  of 
the  building  committee  for  building  a  meeting-house  in 
this  place  and  it  occupies  considerable  of  my  time.  And 
it  now  is  time  for  me  to  subscribe  myself  Your  most 
unworthy  and  sinful  but  sincere  and  affectionate  brother, 

Lewis. 

Give  my  love  to  parents,  brother  and  sisters,  grand- 
parents, uncle,  aunts,  cousins  and  in  short  to  all  inquiring 
friends.  Tell  Mrs.  B.  a  young  man,  one  of  her  young 
friends,  while  I  was  at  Chamount,  indulged  a  hope.  Write 
soon.  .  L.  A.  W. 


36  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Antwerp,  Dec.  9,  1831. 
My  Dear  Parents; 

Birthday  It  was  my  intention  to  have  written  yesterday. 

Parents'  *  nac*  so  mucn  to  do  lt  was  impossible,  it  being 
1831.  Thanksgiving  day  (so  called  by  way  of  dis- 
tinction), and  the  religious  exercises  of  the  day  were 
laid  upon  me.  Besides,  I  had  an  appointment  about 
three  miles  from  the  village,  so  that  I  did  not  return  till 
quite  late  and  my  room  was  too  cold  to  write.  These 
are  my  reasons  why  I  did  not  write  on  my  birthday. 
Yesterday  brought  me  to  my  twenty-second  year.  Time, 
how  fast  it  flies  !  Since  my  letter  of  Dec.  8,  1830, 1  have 
passed  through  various  scenes,  both  temporal  and  spirit- 
ual, as  my  letters  have  already  shown.  I  scarcely  know 
how  to  express  my  feelings  in  reviewing  the  past  year. 
Oh,  the  ingratitude  there  is  in  my  heart  !  It  seems  at 
times  that  there  is  not  so  unworthy  a  creature  on  the 
footstool  of  God  as  I  am.  But  these  feelings  are  transi- 
tory, for  soon  my  proud  heart  will  rise  up  to  such  a 
height  in  wickedness  that  I  almost  forget  where  or  what 
I  am.  I  try  to  learn  the  devices  of  the  Devil  that  I  may 
be  able  to  meet  him  in  his  attacks  and  it  seems  the  more 
I  see  of  my  heart  the  less  I  know  about  it.  It  is  a  won- 
der to  me  how  people  can  be  Armenians  when  they  look 
into  their  hearts.  I  once  thought  that  the  work  of  being 
prepared  for  eternity  was  all  done  at  the  time  they 
thought  they  gave  their  affections  to  Christ.  But  I  am 
convinced  of  the  truth  of  Whitfield's  remark  "  that  the 
tearing  down  of  the  old  man  and  the  building  up  of  the 
new  is  a  work  till  death."  The  Enemy  of  souls  does  not 
care  what  degree  of  feeling  a  person  arrives  at  if  they  will 
only  be  satisfied,  for  he  knows  that   they  will  soon  come 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  37 

down  if  they  will  only  make  a  stop,  for  there  is  no  neu- 
trality in  the  cause  of  Christ.  I  often  begin  to  reason 
with  myself  about  being  a  Christian  and  I  think,  what 
good  can  I  do?  I  am  sure  that  I  do  but  little,  if  any- 
thing for  him,  and  how  can  he  use  me  in  his  immense 
building  ?  But  my  prayer  is  to  the  Lord :  "  Make  me 
anything  for  thine  own  glory  and  do  with  me  what  seem- 
eth  to  thee  good,"  and  it  is  my  only  desire,  if  I  know  my 
own  heart,  to  live  to  his  honor  and  glory,  and  when  this 
is  not  my  object  may  the  Lord  give  me  grace  to  see  my 
crime  and  enable  me  to  live  to  him.  Since  I  have  been 
in  Antwerp  I  have  had  various  things  to  encounter. 
The  prejudices  of  the  people  have  been  very  great  against 
the  Presbyterians,  from  the  fact  that  there  have  been  so 
many  ministers  in  this  place  who  have  acted  so  much 
like  the  ungodly  that  it  was  almost  impossible  for  me  to 
get  near  them  when  I  first  came  here,  but  now  quite  a 
different  aspect  may  be  seen,  and  my  leaving  causes  no 
small  talk  among  them.  Since  I  returned  from  the  short 
tour  I  took  for  my  health  in  August,  it  has  been 
improved  considerably  and  my  labors  have  been  very 
numerous.  I  have  raised  about  $800  here  towards  a  meet- 
ing house,  got  the  timber  for  the  frame  on  the  ground 
and  framed,  purchased  io,ODO  feet  of  lumber,  helped 
measure  it  out  myself  and  got  it  partly  drawn,  and  dug 
the  greatest  part  of  ten  cords  of  stone  and  attended 
three  meetings  on  each  Sabbath,  three  or  more  during  the 
week  and  visited  a  little  from  house  to  house;  formed  a 
temperance  society  of  seventy  members,  etc.  For  which  I 
would  give  all  the  glory  to  the  Lord  of  Hosts.  I  have 
often  reflected  on  my  leaving  Troy.  The  feeling  that  I 
could  not  stay  there,    in  consequence  of  which  I  started. 


38  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

not  knowing  where  I  went,  and  to  see  where  the  Lord 
has  led  me  has  been  a  source  of  wonder  and  joy  mingled 
together  with   me.     For  me  to   say    that  God  has   not 
blessed  my  efforts  would  be  saying  that  which   I  do  not 
believe  and  which  would  not  perhaps  be  acknowledging 
the  mercies  of  God,  yet  I  know,  yea,  I   feel  that  I  am  un- 
worthy.    Since    I  have  been   here  there   have  been   be- 
tween   fifteen   and  twenty  hopeful  conversions.     I    will 
notice  one  fact.     All  seemed   to   think   and   did  talk  as 
though  nothing  could  be  done  and  ministers  had  given  it 
up  for   lost,  before   I  ventured   here,   and   in   four  or  five 
months  the   moral  aspect    had   changed  so   much   there 
were  three  different  ministers  that  wanted  to  get  in  here. 
The  people  said  :     "  We  have  got  one  kind  minister  and 
we  had  rather  keep  him  than  run  the  risk  of  getting  an- 
other which  perhaps  will  not  suit,  etc.,  etc."     I  hope  my 
dear  parents  will  not  censure  me  for  boasting.     Forbear 
with  me  a   little  in  my   folly,  for  if   I   glory   it  is   in   the 
Lord.     Yet  my  glorying  will  be  entirely  in   vain  except 
it  be  blessed   by  the  eternal  God.     As    to  temporals  I 
have  nothing   particular  to  say.     I  have  enough    to  eat 
and  to  drink  and  am   comfortably   clothed.     They   will 
raise  sixty  or  seventy  dollars  for  me  in  this  place.     It  is 
more  than  I  expected,  for  their  situation  is  rather  pecu- 
liar and  I    felt    it  would  help  the  cause  of  Christ  and 
therefore  I  was   willing   to   do   all    that    I   could  that  it 
mi°tit  be  built  up.     They  seem  to  be  determined  that  if  I 
go  away  I  shall    come  back  again,  which  I  am  willing  to 
do,  if  it  is  God's  will,  but  if  it  is  not  his  will  I  shall  not 
come.     I    saw  a  notice  of  a  protracted   meeting  at  Mr. 
Beman's  church ;  please  write  the  particulars. 

I  have  long  felt  an  inclination  and  a  determination  to 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  39 

write  to  Grandfather  B.,  but  I  did  not  know  where  he 
was.  Oh,  that  he  might  be  brought  from  darkness  to 
light,  and  have  a  "  new  song  put  in  his  mouth  even 
praise  to  God."  I  feel  as  though  I  must  see  my  relatives 
in  Troy,  but  I  must  leave  it  for  God  to  decide.  It 
rejoices  me  to  hear  of  the  conversion  of  our  cousins.  I 
should  be  pleased  to  receive  a  letter  from  them.  I  have 
just  had  my  haircut,  and  I  will  send  you  a  lock  of  it 
that  you  may  see  that  I  am  not  gray  headed  yet.  Give 
my  respects  to  all  inquiring  friends.  Tell  all  to  pray  for 
me.     And  remember  your  most  unworthy  son, 

Lewis  A.  Wickes. 


Antwerp,  March  8,  1832. 
Dear  Parents: 

The  return  of  this  day  brings  to  me  the  expectation  of 
Letter  to  my  parents  in  receiving  a  letter.  My  time  is 
Parents.  fully  occupied,  or  ought  to  be.  I  find  it  very 
important  to  attend  to  every  duty  in  its  appropriate 
time,  and  if  it  is  not  attended  to  then,  it  will  be  put  off 
too  long,  both  in  temporal  and  spiritual  concerns.  You 
know  much  depends  on  my  motto,  "  Onward,"  and  the 
thing  will  be  accomplished.  So  in  the  cause  of  Christ 
what  ought  to  be  done,  can,  SHOULD  be  done.  There  is 
much  precious  time  lost  among  Christians  in  standing 
and  looking  at  the  work  so  long,  before  they  take  hold 
of  the  cause,  and  then  they  handle  it  as  careful  as  they 
would  eggs.  But  yet  how  foolish  and  inconsistent  to 
see  Christians  so  afraid  of  doing  too  much  for  the  Lord 
of  Glory.  Why  is  it  that  the  church  of  God  are  so 
dormant.     They    are   truly   unfaithful   servants.      There 


40  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

have  been  some  hopeful  conversions  since  I  wrote,  no 
very  uncommon  cases,  however,  although  they  are  inter- 
esting because  they  excite  interest  in  Heaven  among 
the  angels  of  God,  for  there  is  more  joy  over  one  sinner 
that  repenteth,  than  over  ninety  and  nine  just  persons 
that  need  no  repentance;  and  it  should  cause  joy  among 
the  children  of  God  on  earth.  When  the  cause  of 
Christ  lays  near  the  heart,  it  will  cause  the  soul  to  bless 
the  Lord  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men. 
But  when  the  heart  is  cold,  to  hear  of  the  conversion  of 
sinners,  has  no  great  effect  at  all,  only  to  say,  "  Well ! " 
The  Devil  is  trying  his  u.ttermost  to  conquer  the  children 
of  God.  My  heart  aches  within  me,  when  I  think  how 
little  the  cause  of  Christ  is  loved  by  many  of  the  friends, 
or  rather  the  professed  friends  of  Christ,  and — Oh,  how 
little  it  is  loved  by  them  !  Yes,  how  little  it  is  loved  by 
me  to  what  it  should  be. 

But  yet  I  think  it  does  look  too  dear  to  be  trampled 
A  request  for  a  un(jer  foot.     And  if  there  is  any  cause  that 

letter  from  Dr.  .....     .  .        . 

Beman's  Church  should  be  lifted  high  it  is  surely  the  cause 
mTroy.  Qf  jesus  Christ.  You  will  please  to  answer 
this  soon,  and  especially  the  letter  referred  to  before. 
Give  my  love  to  all  inquiring  friends,  especially  brothers 
and  sisters.  Remember  your  son  around  the  domestic 
altar.  I  do  not  forget  you  about  7  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing.    Mrs.  Whitford,  with  whom  I  board,  sends  love. 

I  am  your  affectionate  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES 

After  leaving  Antwerp  he  stopped  in  Stow's  Square, 
where  was  a  church  surrounded  by  a  farming  community, 
and  from  which  he  writes  as  follows : 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKKS.  41 

Stow's  Square,  July  13,  1832. 

Dear  Parents  : 

I  expect  you  are  anxious  to  hear  from  me,  as  I   have 
Labors  Com-   told  you   a   little   about   my   sickness.      My 

menced  at  ...     .  .  r  r 

Stowe's  Square,  health  is  improving  very  fast,  far  beyond  the 
July  13, 1S32,  expectation  of  every  one,  although  I  can  feel 
To  Albany,  the  effects  of  it  when  I  exert  myself  consid- 
erable either  in  mind  or  body.  O,  my  dear  parents,  it 
would  be  the  delight  of  my  heart  to  visit  you,  and  have 
a  delightful  visit  with  you.  But  stop  !  shall  I  leave  dying 
sinners  to  grieve  away  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  go  down  to 
hell  for  the  sake  of  gratifying  one's  self?  Blessed  be  God 
that  he  has  made  these  lungs  strong  enough  to  heave  his 
praises  once  more  and  beg  for  dying  sinners'  salvation.  It 
is  better  to  wear  out  in  the  service  of  God  than  to  rust 
out.  O,  may  God  keep  me  from  ever  laying  down  its  cares 
till  I  am  laid  in  the  grave  !  which  I  often  feel  will  be  soon. 
But  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  he  will  take  his 
own  time.  There  is  some  feeling  here,  but  not  as  much 
as  there  should  be;  sinners  are  enquiring,  and  some 
Christians  do  feel  a  little.  But  some  of  the  old  mem- 
bers do  try  my  patience,  and  one  old  Deacon  has  a 
daughter  who  was  as  hard  as  a  rock.  I  talked  and 
prayed  with  her  "till  it  seemed  as  though  the  father 
would  have  me  not  say  another  word.  But  I  was  deter- 
mined to  obey  God  rather  than  man.  And  God  heard 
and  answered  prayer,  and  when  she  felt  so  much  as  to  go 
and  ask  her  father  to  pray  for  her,  he  thought  it  was  only 
animal  feeling,  and  would  follow  her  father  in  prayer,  and 
yet  he  would  not  believe  that  the  Spirit  of  God  was 
striving  with  her.     She  now  comes  out  and  takes  up  her 


4"2  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

cross  in  social  meetings,  and  visits  her  young  friends  and 
talks  and  prays  with  them,  and  he  begins  now  to  think 
he  does  not  know,  but  she  may  be  under  Conviction.  O, 
that  God  would  convert  such  a  Deacon.  The  young 
people  are  beginning  to  tremble ;  yesterday  God  was  in- 
deed in  our  midst  at  a  prayer  meeting.  We  do  not  have 
many  meetings  but  what  more  or  less  desire  the 
prayers  of  Christians.  They  come  to  the  birth,  but 
not  enough  strength  in  Zion  to  bring  forth.  Do  pray 
that  Zion  may  be  strengthened  in  this  place ;  that  sons 
and  daughters  may  be  born  unto  God.  But  I  must  stop 
writing,  for  it  is  most  time  to  commence  Bible  Class,  and 
as  soon  as  that  closes  prayer  meeting  convenes,  and  I  ex- 
pect God  will  be  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  may  the  wind  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  blow  upon  all  of  us  and  fill  us  with  faith. 
Remember  and  pray  for  your  unworthy  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

The  following  letter  from  his  father  shows  his  wish 
for  the  council  of  his  parcr.ts  on  the  important  step  he 
was  meditating  of  taking. 

Troy,  Dec.  4,  1832. 

Dear  Son  : 

Your  last,  and  undoubtedly  the  most  important  let- 

From     ter  you  ever  addressed  to  your  parents,  has  been 

Father    received,  and  when  we  attempt  to  answer  it   we 

are  sensible  that  it  will  be  only  in  part.      I   have 

on 

Matrimo-  not  your  letter  before  me,  and   shall  not   reply 
ny.      systematically.     You   inform   us   that   you   con- 
template marrying,  and  having  mentioned  your  situation 
and  the  character  of  the  person,  you  ask  counsel.     What 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  43 

may  be  written  on  the  subject  will  not  change  your  pur- 
pose or  confirm  you  in  the  enterprise,  perhaps.  Minis- 
ters have  in  common  with  other  men,  the  privilege  of 
marrying,  but  in  all  cases  the  welfare  of  Christ's  kingdom 
should  be  the  object  and  end,  but  very  probably  while 
the  minister  has  been  engaged  in  maturing  and  arrang- 
ing the  connection,  souls  have  been  neglected,  and  finally 
lost.  You  say  that  you  have  prayed  over  the  subject. 
Remember  my  son,  that  there  is  no  situation  in  which 
persons  generally  are  more  deceived,  than  in  relation  to 
some  desirable  and  pleasant  object  they  may  have  in 
view ;  their  feelings  are  excited ;  the  whole  current  of 
their  wishes  accompany  their  petitions,  and  from  the 
fervor  and  earnestness  exhibited,  they  are  ready  without 
making  any  allowances  for  circumstances,  to  say,  I  have 
indications  that  my  contemplated  project  is  favored  by 
Heaven.  I  say  to  you,  that  it  will  be  advisable,  and  be 
your  bounden  duty  to  marry,  provided  it  will  enable,  and 
actually  cause  you  to  be  a  more  devoted  and  an  entirely 
devoted  minister  of  the  Gospel ;  if  it  will  increase  in 
your  own  soul  devotion  and  active  piety;  if  it  will  make 
you  more  studious  in  gaining  knowledge  of  God's  word, 
and  will  make  you  more  indefatigable  and  laborious  in 
the  service  of  God  and  the  church  ;  more  anxious  and 
earnest  to  be  the  agent  of  Christ  in  pulling  sinners  out 
of  the  fire;  if  it  shall  have  a  tendency  to  elevate  you  in 
every  christian  and  ministerial  duty  and  employment,  I 
say,  marry.  But  if  there  is  the  least  evidence  to  be 
gathered,  that  it  will  subtract  from  your  devotedness,  as 
a  minister;  if  it  shall  lessen  active  piety  in  your  own 
soul  or  life;  if  it  shall  divide  your  affections,  and  turn 
them  off  in  any   degree  from  the  church,  or  cause  the 


44  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

wretched  condition  of  sinners  to  be  less  felt  and  realized, 
an  exertion  in  any  degree  relaxed  for  their  salvation,  I 
say,  do  not  marry.  Remember  among  the  excuses  made 
by  those  who  were  bidden  and  invited  to  come  and  eat 
of  the  supper  or  feast,  one  is  represented  as  saying,  "  I 
have  married  a  wife,"  etc.  If  the  tendency  should  be 
i  which  is  hardly  possible),  not  to  affect  in  any  of  these, 
and  other  particulars  that  might  be  mentioned,  your 
usefulness,  neither  to  add  nor  diminish,  it  is  then  very 
questionable  whether  it  would  be  proper.  If  I  could  see 
the  person  you  name,  I  should  say  to  her,  that  if  she  did 
not  intend  to  excite  you  to  faithfulness,  diligence,  con- 
secratedness,  heavenly  mindedness,  engagedness  and 
consistency  of  ministerial  character,  etc.;  if,  in  fine,  she 
did  not  intend,  by  her  influence  and  example,  to  make 
you  a  better  man,  a  better  minister,  I  would  enter  a  sol- 
emn protest,  and  lodge  it  with  the  Master  of  the 
Assembly  of  the  church  in  Heaven. 

*        *  *  Jonas  Wickes. 


My  Sun  : 

You  no  doubt  are  waiting  anxiously  for  an  answer  to 
your  letter,  and  your  father  has  at  last  wrote  a  few  lines, 
but  you  know  he  says  he  had  rather  write  six  deeds, 
than  one  letter,  therefore  it  always  devolves  on  me;  but 
in  relation  to  your  letter,  he  has  said  all  that  is  necessary, 
and  has  left  room  for  me  to  tell  the  family  news,  which  is 
that  all  enjoy  good  health,  except  myself,  and  I  am 
much  better.  I  have  reason  to  bless  the  Lord  for  his 
mercy  towards  me  in  raising  me  twice  from  sickness, 
within  four  months.  It  is  very  healthy  in  the  city  at 
present.  * 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  45 

Rev.  Mr.  Finney  is  in  the  city.  He  preached  on 
Sabbath.  Mr.  Beman  is  in  New  York.  I  cannot  write 
more  now,  my  hand  trembles  so  it  is  difficult  for  me  to 
hold    my    pen.     Will  write  again  soon,  if  I  get  strength. 

I  want  you  to  write.  Tell  us  whether  you  will  visit 
us  this  winter. 

Your  Affectionate  Mother, 

S.  B.  WlCKES. 


Stows  Square,  Dec.  io,  1832. 
My  Dear  Parents  : 

Time  has  rolled  another  year  around,  and  my  busi- 
Birthday  ness  was  so  pressing  on  the  8th  that  I  could  not 
Letter  attend  to  writing,  therefore  I  take  the  earliest 
of  1832  opportunity  to  do  it.  In  looking  over  the  back 
year,  and  viewing  my  life,  it  looks  dark,  and  every 
moment  of  time  filled  up  with  sin.  Oh,  how  shameful 
for  a  follower  of  Christ !  But  the  dealings  of  God 
towards  me  have  been  very  kind,  and  his  forbearance — 
Oh,  how  great !  But  my  ingratitude  to  God,  how  sur- 
prising !  Two  years  and  a  half  have  rolled  away  since  I 
left  your  kind,  affectionate,  and  paternal  roof,  with  the 
expectation  of  probably  going  into  some  secular  employ- 
ment. And,  (though  not  worthy  of  having  such  a  com- 
parison) like  Jacob,  went  out  not  knowing  whither  I 
went.  The  money  I  had  with  me  at  that  time  was 
$7.00.  On  that  I  started  my  pilgrimage  with  a  heavy 
heart,  and  so  downcast  a  look  that  the  stage  passen- 
gers marked  it,  and  asked  the  occasion  of  it.  I  then  had 
my  eye  on  the   western  region,  though  only  known  to 


48  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

myself,  with  the  intention  of  never  again  visiting  the  city 
of   Troy.     Not    that    I   any  less  esteemed  my  parents' 
roof.     No,  never  !  never !     My  heart  has  always  felt  for 
you,  my  dear  parents,  above  every  object,  and  shall  ever 
continue    till    life    shall    end.      Although '  I    have   for    a 
moment   thought    that    Pa  by    his   never   writing,   said, 
"  You  may  be  your  own   counselor."     But  soon  hushed 
to  silence  those  wicked  thoughts,  with  the  most  minute 
reflections;   his  family  is  large,  his   riches  are  none,  and 
h\s  ftjigers  support  them.      But   1   did   feel,  and  do  still 
feel,   that   my   sphere   of   usefulness   in    Troy  would  be 
nothing,  and  perhaps  it  is  altogether  best  that  it  should 
be  so,  and  I  think  I  can  say  I  bless  God  it  has  been  so. 
Whatever  my  former  intentions  were,  God  has  brought 
me   where   I   very   little,  nay,   nevei    thought    of   being. 
"  How  wonderful  are  His  counsel's,  and   His   ways  past 
finding  out ! "     He  has  never  left  me  without  friends,  at 
least  professedly  so.     I  have  never  been  naked,  and  he 
has  always  stood  by  me  in  trouble,  and  so  far  helped  me 
through,  and  it  is  my  determination    to  obey   his   com- 
mands as  far  as  I  know  them,  and  when   I  have  done  all, 
I  shall  only  be  an  unprofitable  servant.     To  enter  into  a 
minute  detail  of  the  past  year,   I   cannot  at   this   time, 
neither  would   it   be   advisable.     But    I    find  in  looking 
back  a  year,  I  find  much  to  be  lamented  over,  though  I 
have  not  been  left  to  commit  any  outbreaking  sins.     Yet 
I  find  it  is  the  feelings   of  the  heart   God   looks  at,  and 
therefore  it  is  to  have  the  whole  life  before  God,  such  as 
would  be  pleasing  to  Him.     I  am  well  aware  that  there 
are  many  things  in  my  life  which   can,  and   under  God, 
shall  be  loped  off.     For  I  find  it  is  utterly  impossible  for 
me  to  have  access  to  God,  without  living  in  some  faint 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  47 

degree  up  to  his  requirements.  I  believe  one  great  rea- 
son why  Christians  do  not  enjoy  higher  attainments,  is 
they  do  not  aim  at  high  and  holy  attainments.  They 
take  the  character  of  Christians  that  have  gone  before 
them,  whereas  they  should  take  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  I  know  of  no  other  way  by  which  they  can  possibly 
attain  to  that  qualification  which  is  required,  (perfection). 
I  know  for  me  to  live  near  to  God,  I  shall  have  to  make 
a  great  effort,  and  that  too,  against  a  very  light  and 
trifling  nature,  that  takes  delight  in  sin.  And  I  say 
to  myself  sometimes,  when  shall  I  be  delivered  from  this 
body  of  death.  If  to  be  a  good  man,  it  was  necessary 
to  be  a  great  man,  I  should  ever  faint  of  ever,  yea, 
despair  of  ever  gaining  the  point.  But  as  goodness  has 
nothing  to  do  with  greatness,  I  set  my  iace  towards  the 
former,  praying  God  to  assist  me  for  His  great  name's 
sake.  If  the  Lord  will  use  me  to  tear  down  the  devil's 
kingdom,  I  am  willing  he  should  do  it,  and  bless  his 
name  for  it.  If  the  Lord  holds  me  up,  I  shall  not  fall, 
yet  I  often  think  that  it  is  actually  requisite  for  me  to  be 
knocked  down  to  humble  the  pride  of  my  heart.  For 
God  sets  people  low,  that  He  may  lift  them  up,  but  the 
devil  lifts  people  up,  that  He  may  throw  them  down, 
(Matt.  4).  And  I  know  if  I  will  only  abase  myself,  God 
will  exalt  me,  and  I  find  no  better  place  than  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross,  yea,  infinitely  beneath  the  dust 
that  the  cro.5s  rests  upon.  Oh,  it  is  sweet  communing 
with  God,  when  I  can  lose  myself  in  the  glorious  will 
of  Heaven.  My  heart  often  makes  me  think  of  the 
bottomless  pit ;  open  the  doors,  and  it  is  a  black  looking 
place,  and  the  smoke  of  sin  ascends  from  it,  into  all  parts 
of  the  system,  and  spreads  a  stench   all  around,  yet  the 


48  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

fire  of  the  Holy  Ghost  can  purify  and  make  it  clean.  It 
is  true  "  the  heart  is  deceitful,  and  above  all  things  des- 
perately wicked,"  and  mine  is  "like  a  cage  of  unclean 
birds,  or  like  the  inside  of  one  of  the  ancient  sepulchers." 
My  health  is  good  as  can  be  expected,  for  one  that  is  all 
the  time  on  the  go.  I  have  thought  sometimes  that  if 
I  was  engaged  in  any  other  employment,  I  could  not 
endure  it.  To  let  you  see  how  much  God  enables  me  to 
do,  (and  I  hope  for  His  glory),  I  will  give  you  the 
appointments  of  this  week:  9th,  Conference,  6  o'clock, 
meeting  house;  Monday,  meeting  three  miles  off,  in  the 
evening;  Tuesday,  Tracts  Distributers  meeting;  Wednes- 
day, Bible  Class;  Thursday,  Thanksgiving,  10  o'clock 
preaching— evening,  Union  Meeting;  Friday,  Conference, 
mile  off;  Saturday  evening,  meet  the  young  people 
three  miles  off  northwest,  to  form  another  Bible  Class, 
besides  some  small  appointments,  and  visiting  more  or 
less  every  week,  besides  the  duties  of  the  Sabbath,  and 
preparations  for  it.  So  the  Lord  enables  me  to  go  from 
one  week  to  another.  I  have  a  severe  cold,  which  seems 
to  be  inclined  to  settle  on  my  lungs,  and  makes  me  very 
hoarse.  I  have  yet  to  ride  three  miles,  and  attend  a 
meeting  in  a  very  wicked  neighborhood.  The  Lord  can 
work  even  there,  for  since  I  commenced  having  meetings 
there,  there  have  been  six  family  altars  erected,  for  which 
I  would  bless  the  Lord.  The  Universalists  and  Chris- 
tians form]  one  broad  phalanx  against  us.  But  the 
devil  is  a  conquered  devil.  Christ  bruised  his  head. 
If  I  can  only  have  my  Saviour  with  me,  I  fear  not  what 
wicked  men  shall  do  to  me.  "  Trust  in  the  Lord  and  do 
good,"  and  God's  promises  are  sure,  they  are,  yea,  and 
amen  in  Christ  Jesus. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES. 


49 


Please   write   soon ,  and   give   my   love  to  all  friends, 
and  pray  for  your  affectionate,  though  unworthy  son. 

L.  A.  WiCKES. 


CHAPTER  V 


CORRESPONDENCE  DURING  PASTORAL 
WORK  FROM   1833  TO   1S41. 

HE  following  very  interesting  letter  to    his    par- 
ents    shows  his    natural    affectionate    cheerful- 
ness,  consecration    to    his  work  and    solicitude 
for  his  friends. 

Stows  Square,  Feb.  13th,  1833. 

My  Dear  Parents. 

I  have  but  a  short  time  to  write  but  I  will  improve 
that.  I  have  been  very  busy  ever  since  I  wrote  you  in 
preparing  for  Ordination  which  took  place  on  the  6th  of 
February.  I  had  often  thought  of  the  solemnities  of 
such  a  time,  but  never  did  in  any  measure  realize  the 
intense  interest  of  such  a  time.  Oh!  my  parents  you 
can  know  nothing  of  the  peculiar  feelings  of  one  kneel- 
ing down,  and  hands  of  the  Ambassadors  of  Christ 
placed  on  the  heads,  and  lifting  up  their  prayers  to 
Almighty  God  for  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon 
him.  Jehovah  looking  down,  angels  witnessing  the 
scene,  and  devils  waiting  the  results.  If  ever  I  needed 
the  agency  of  God's  spirit  it  is  now.  and  if  ever  your 
prayers  were  asked  for  it   is  now.      Oh  !   withhold  them 

50 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  51 

not.  The  world  is  looking  upon  me,  and  expecting 
more  from  me  now  than  they  ever  did  before.  Without 
the  spirit  of  Christ  I  shall  utterly  fail  of  accomplishing 
my  duty.  Last  night  I  stood  in  a  different  place  than 
I  ever  did  before.  I  was  as  people  say  "  tying  the  knot." 
It  was  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  connections.  I 
thought  I  should  be  very  much  "  dashed  "  but  I  spent  a 
season  in  prayer  for  help,  and  God  heard  and  answered 
so  that  one  old  Dutchman  present  said  to  use  his  own 
language,  "  It  vas  done  so  schlick  as  von  goos  egg." 
Wine  was  not  brought  near  the  banquet  but  in  lieu  pure 
cold  water  had  the  place.  Perhaps  you  may  be  surprised 
when  I  tell  you  it  is  the  third  wedding  I  was  ever  at.  I 
am  not  fully  prepared  to  say  what  duty  is  in  many 
cases  of  matrimony,  but  I  suppose  that  now  is  the  time 
for  me  to  know  if  ever.  It  is,  whether  it  is  duty  to 
solemnize  a  marriage  where  one  is  a  Christian  and  the 
other  is  not.  I  have  been  in  hopes  to  see  it  discussed  by 
some  able  pen,  but  as  yet  I  have  looked  in  vain.  I  have 
been  reading  a  piece  in  the  Evangelist  on  "  Unhallowed 
Marriages,"  but  the  writer  in  my  estimation  does  not 
touch  the  point  where  the  greatest  objection  lies. 

If  it  is  wrong  in  every  circumstance  and  condition  for 
Christians  and  unbelievers  to  be  connected  then,  surely,  it 
is  for  a  minister  to  connect  them.  Therefore  the  whole 
question  comes  to  this,  "  Is  there  any  case  where  it  is  law- 
ful for  believers  and  unbelievers  to  be  joined  in  matrimonial 
connection  ?" 

I  hope  sister  A.  M.  will  not  indulge  the  thought  that 
she  cannot  write.  Why  she  can  do  as  well  as  I  when 
first  I  wrote  to  H.  It  is  practice  that  makes  perfect, 
and  perseverance  accomplishes  almost  every  thing.     Am 


52  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

sorry  C.  has  left  the  seminary;  poor  girl,  tell  her  to  apply 
her  mind  to  something  useful,  and  improve  it  for  useful- 
ness. I  must  close  at  present  and  go  off  three  miles 
through  a  tremendous  snow  storm  to  attend  a  Bible  class, 
where  I  have  over  fifty  to  attend  and  it  takes  me  about 
three  hours  to  get  through  it.  I  feel  that  I  need  more 
of  the  help  of  God,  for  the  more  I  am  promoted  the  more 
pride  I  have  to  fight  against.  You  know  what  a  proud 
family  we  are,  and  how  the  Lord  works  to  humble  us, 
and  if  I  can  be  humble  it  is  a  great  blessing.  The  state 
of  religion  is  low,  we  think,  but  strangers  think  there  is 
a  great  feeling,  and  I  suppose  there  is  compared  with 
other  places.  I  have  many  calls  to  help  in  protracted 
meetings.  If  I  was  loose  from  this  people  I  would  spend 
much  of  my  time  in  them.  Just  now  I  do  not  feel  it 
would  be  my  duty.  I  have  attended  only  six  this  year 
of  from  six  to  fourteen  days  continuance.  May  the 
Lord  give  me  health  to  labor  much  more.  Love  to  ail 
the  family.      Pray  much  for  your  son 

L.   A.  WlCKES. 


During  his  pastorate  in  Stows  Square,  Mr.  Wickes 
was  repeatedly  called  to  assist  in  revival  work  in  other 
neighborhoods,  from  one  of  which  he  writes  to  his  home 
society  as  follows : 

GREIG,  Sept.  4,  1833. 
Dear  Brethren, 

■  I  know  it  is  your  desire  to  build  up  the  cause  of  the 

Early  la-  Redeemer,    and    to    have    the    kingdom    of    the 

ors'      Saviour  advanced  in  every  place,  and  duty  seems 
Meeting         .  .      \ 

in  Grei"    Pointed    out    very   plain    here    for   me.       1  here    is 

Lewis  but  a  very  little  help  here  (that  is,  human  help), 

Co.,  N.  V.  but  God  is  present,  and  the  work  has  commenced. 


LEWIS   ALFRED    WICKES.  53 

The  whole  community  seems  to  be  on  the  move.  Br. 
Crandal  cannot  be  here  but  a  little,  and  Sabbath  is  his 
Assists  in  communion,  and  cannot  leave.  And  the  whole 
revival  charge  of  the  meeting  is  resting  upon  your 
work,  unworthy  minister.  Br.  Porter  and  Br.  Stevens 
say  it  is  plain  that  I  should  not  leave  here  in  such  a  time 
as  this.  Br.  Bush  will  preach  for  you  a  part  of  the  day. 
While  I  am  writing  Br.  C.  is  preaching.  Some  Christians 
are  in  the  room  below  praying  and  agonizing  with  groan- 
ings  and  tears  that  God  would  bless  the  truth.  Brethren 
you  are  remembered  in  every  season  of  prayer.  And  do 
now  get  hold  of  God's  arm  and  Salvation  will  come,  and 
that  it  may  deluge  this  whole  region  is  the  earnest  prayer 
of  your  unworthy  Servant.  Brethren  come  over  and 
help  us,  pray  for  us. 

L.  A.  Wickes. 

Saturday  morning.      The  harvest   is  truly  great  but 

Continued  tne  laborers  are  few.  There  are  many  sinners  under 

Greig,     great  convictions.     Several  conversions  and  some 

Lewis  Co.  backsliders    brought    back    to    their    Father    in 

'     '     Heaven   we   trust,  and  there  is   a   prospect  of  a 

great  work.      O  pray  for  us,  for  this  is  a  heathenish  place. 

May  God  make  this  '•  wilderness  bud  and  blossom  like 

the  rose."      Claim  the  promises  of  God  and  victory  will 

turn  on  Zion's  side.  In  haste, 

L.  A.  Wickes. 

Greig,  Sept.  7,  1833. 
Affectionate  Dear  Wife, 

1    dropped    you    a  line     Saturday.       I    will    give    a 
little  more  encouragement.       Yesterday  we  had  all  the 


54  LIFE   AXD  LETTERS  OF 

t,    ,    ,     wicked  that  the  town  contains.  There  were  more 
Early  la- 
bors as  an  Universalists  together  than  I  have  seen  together 

Evange-  for  years.  I  preached  from  the  23d  verse  of  the 
hst  6th  chapter  of  Romans.  "  Wages  of  sin  is  death," 
etc.  I  preached  two  hours.  God  helped  me  to  present 
the  truth  more  plainly  from  that  text  than  I  ever  did 
before,  (it  suited  my  own  mind  better).  And  such  a 
squirming  I  never  saw  before.  It  made  me  think  of  run- 
ning a  pole  in  a  hornet's  nest.  They  fought  and 
quarrelled  all  the  intermission.  Christians  were  praying. 
They  saw  for  the  first  time  the  justice  of  God  in  the 
damnation  of  sinners.  Arrows  of  conviction  flew  thick 
and  fast.  I  could  feel  the  prayers  of  Christians  running 
through  every  nerve  and  muscle  of  the  soul  and  body. 
God  seemed  to  say  to  many  "  This  is  the  way;  walk  ye 
in  it."  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  one  hour  and  three 
quarters  from  Malachi  3d,  18.  God  was  in  the  midst. 
And  it  was  so  late  we  did  not  have  a  meeting  in  the  eve- 
ning but  appointed  meetings  in  all  their  houses.  Broth- 
ers Porter,  Dea.  Abby  and  myself  had  a  precious  time  at 
the  house  where  we  put  up.  There  were  four  conversions 
one  near  60  years  old,  God  was  here  indeed.  They  were 
happy  this  morning  (perhaps  too  much  so.)  They  are 
singing  the  "Bower  of  Prayer"  and  "Old  Ship  Zion." 
God  has  strengthened  me  beyond  my  expectations,  I  can 
not  tell  how  many  have  been  converted  and  reclaimed. 
I  know  and  can  enumerate  ten  or  twelve  converted  and 
fifteen  or  twenty  reclaimed.  The  meeting  will  continue, 
how  long  I  cannot  say,  several  submitted  right  in  preach- 
ing time  yesterday.  Error  was  dug  up  from  the  bottom. 
Pray  for  us,  the  immense  field  is  ripe  ready  for  the  harvest 
and  the  laborers  are  few.     I   staid  at    Dea.   Pinney's  one 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  55 

night,  preached  in  the  evening,  he  got  full  to  overflowing.  I 
cannot  tell  when  I  shall  be  home.  The  Lord  will  bless 
you.     I  will  write  again  if  I  stay  long.     Farewell. 

Your  Husband, 

L.  A.  WlCKES 


West  Leyden,  Oct.  5,  1833. 

Dear  Wife  :     I  am  in  a  strait  between  two  and   I 

hardly  know  what  to  do,  but  as  things  now  are, 

.  ,  the  decision  of  the  church  and  all  the  brethren  is 

labors, 

West  Ley- that  I  must  stay  here  as  there  is  no  help  except 

den,   Oct.  Father  Kimble.     Mr.  Sawyer  must  leave.     There 

5th,  1833.  js  a  proSpect  for  good.     One  we  hope  has  given 

'  her  heart  to  God.     It  was  a  very  interesting  case. 

I  have  not  time  to  give  the  particulars.     I  expect 

Mr.  Murdock  will  preach  for  you   if  he  does  not 

Anxiety   let  the  brethren  have  their  meeting.     Tell   Bros. 

for  work  gateSi  j_  Stevens  and  A.  Stevens  to  put  on  their 

for    souls. 

armour  and  come  up  here,  for  God  demands  it  of 
them.  Tell  the  church  to  pray  for  their  unworthy  minis- 
ter. Your  Husband. 

L.  A.  Wickes. 

P.  S: — Dea.  Dewey  writes,  Oct.  16,  West  Leyden, 
the  work  of  the  Lord  still  progressing.  New  and  inter- 
esting cases  occurring,  says  new  voices  heard  in  prayer  he 
never  heard  before  from  some  new  converts  and  back- 
sliders. There  seemed  to  be  a  desire  that  the  work  should 
not  cease.     All  united  in  requesting  prayer. 


56  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

Stows  Square,  Dec.  8,  1834. 

Dear  and  Beloved  Parents:  This  morning  brings 

Birthda    me  to  ^iat  Pcr'°d  when  you   expect   that    I    will 

letter,    g've  >'ou  something  of  a  history  of  the   last   year 
reviewing  of  the  life  of  your   unworthy   son.      But   to  give 

1834.  yOU  a  minute  description  of  past  events  it  will  not 
be  in  my  power,  neither  would  I  be  doing  you  any  kind- 
ness by  giving  so  black  a  list.  The  two  last  years  of  my 
life  are  filled  up  with  momentous  responsibilities.  When 
I  reflect  upon  the  voluntary  obligations  that  I  have  taken 
upon  myself  I  am  almost  ready  to  wish  that  I  had  never 
begun  them.  My  ordination  vows.  The  administering 
of  the  gospel  ordinance,  the  responsibility  of  being  "  an 
example  to  the  flock,"  the  choice  of  a  companion  for  life, 
with  the  duties  that  are  connected,  the  solemnizing  of 
marriage  contracts,  etc.,  are  in  my  mind  of  no  small 
moment.  The  past  has  now  taken  its  flight  into  eternity, 
and  with  all  the  events  of  life  are  gone,  and  as  to  the 
effects  the  judgment  must  bring  them  to  light.  When 
I  view  them  as  a  Holy  God  must  look  upon  them  they 
look  like  one,  long,  broad  and  deep  catalogue  that  cannot 
be  numbered.  But  yet  blessed  be  God  for  his  abounding 
grace  that  may  have  put  now  and  then  a  very  small 
white  spot  in  the  list.  For  it  is  only  through  the  mercy 
of  God,  that  I  am  permitted  to  do  any  good  in  this  world. 
O,  how  humble  I  should  be  for  the  goodness  that  God 
has  bestowed  upon  me.  But  alas,  how  hard  and  stubborn 
this  heart  is  !  How  unwilling  to  walk  on  the  ground  that 
Christ  has  laid  down  for  a  servant  of  God  to  walk  on  !  I 
have  been  led  almost  (like  Jeremiah)  to  curse  the  day  of 
my  birth.  How  easy  it  is  for  me  to  point  out  how  the 
Christian  should  live,  what  should  be  the   manner  of  his 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  57 

conversation,  the  path  of  virtue  and  happiness.  But,  0, 
how  hard  to  put  them  in  practice,  I  have  to  take  hold  of 
my  heart  with  a  rope  and  drag  it  after  the  duties  that  I 
know  that  I  should  do,  I  am  sensible  that  I  have  no  other 
way  to  live  but  by  crucifying  the  "  old  man  with  his 
deeds,"  and  this  in  opposition  to  the  natural  propensities 
of  the  heart.  Among  other  things  of  great  moment,  it 
has  pleased  the  Lord  to  make  me  a  parent.  To  describe 
the  feeling  I  have  often,  is  a  thing  I  cannot  do.  It  is 
sometimes  the  hardest  thing  to  believe  I  am  a  parent. 
When  I  get  the  child  in  my  arms  I  often  think  I  have  one 
of  my  parent's  children  in  my  hand,  that  it  is  a  brother  or 
a  sister  of  mine,  and  at  other  times  it  appears  like  one 
that  God  has  placed  under  my  protection  and  parental 
care.  Thus  I  find  myself  greatly  tried,  for  the  example 
that  I  must  set  before  the  child  must  be  one  that  directs  its 
mind  towards  heaven  and  which  will  gloriously  prepare  it 
for  heaven.  In  order  to  do  it  I  find  I  have  much  to  do, 
and  much  that  will  make  me  solemn  and  circumspect;  my 
natural  lightness  and  habitual  levity  with  which  I  am 
addicted  cause  me  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  and  then  to 
have  them  affect  our  little  daughter,  as  they  probably 
will,  is  a  thought  that  I  do  not  relish  at  all.  She  is  a  candi- 
date for  another  world,  for  heaven  or  for  hell.  Shall  I  be  an 
instrument  of  adding  to  the  number  of  damned  souls  or 
to  the  number  of  the  rank  of  Satan  ?  May  God  forbid  it ! 
I  believe  as  God  has  placed  this  immortal  under  my  care 
that  its  salvation  or  damnation  in  a  greater  or  less  degree 
is  devolving  on  me.  God  is  ready  on  his  part  to  save  it, 
and  if  we  as  the  parents  neglect  our  duty  the  child  may 
be  lost !  But  I  sometimes  think  I  am  over  anxious  as  to 
its  future  prospects,     ist,  I   cannot  bear  that   she  should 


58  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

be  of  no  use  in  the  world.  To  train  up  a  cipher  in  the 
world  I  think  God  would  not  be  honored.  2nd,  If  I 
train  her  up  and  she  enters  the  list  of  the  opposers  to  the 
work  of  God  and  whose  influence  will  be  on  the  side  of 
the  devil  and  whose  efforts  will  be  to  destroy  the  works 
of  holiness,  and  whose  eternity  will  be  spent  cursing  God 
and  blaspheming  her  Maker,  are  thoughts  that  I  cannot 
harbor  with  composure.  For  I  hate  the  devil  too  much 
to  build  up  his  kingdom.  I  am  by  my  own  efforts  trying 
to  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil  and  I  cannot  bear  to  do 
more  by  one  act  to  build  up  the  enemies'  ranks  than  I 
have  done  in  all  my  life  to  pull  it  down.  And  then  again 
I  look  at  the  prevalence  which  popery  may  have  over  our 
land  and  see  the  consequences  that  may  follow  if  she  lives 
a  devoted  child  of  God,  I  feel  that  it  is  only  the  power  of  an 
holy  God  that  can  sustain  in  such  an  hour.  And  should 
she  relinquish  her  faith  in  Christ  how  much  the  cause  of 
Christ  would  suffer  and  be  reproached.  I  have  other 
feelings  and  reflections  that  the  church  will  look  to  me 
for  an  example  how  to  bring  up  their  families,  and  here 
if  I  make  a  mistake  or  be  careless  it  might  be  the  means 
of  many  being  destroyed.  These  are  some  of  the  respon- 
sibilities that  this  year  have  been  thrown  upon  me.  With 
these  I  often  have  some  joy.  The  opening  of  the  mind, 
the  embracing  of  new  ideas,  the  imitation  of  every  exam- 
ple that  is  set  before  her,  the  eloquence  there  is  expressed 
in  the  bright  dark  eye,  and  the  activity  of  the  limbs,  with  the 
parrot  talk  of"  Pa,"  all  create  sensation  peculiar  to  itself. 
And  the  hope  of  her  being  a  useful  one  in  society  and  a 
follower  of  the  lamb,  of  bringing  others  to  a  knowledge  oi 
Jesus  Christ,  the  eternal  felicity  of  heaven,  honoring  God 
and  praising  the  Lamb  causes  a  little  respite  from  the 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  59 

deep  anxiety  that  I  often  as  a  parent  feel.  But  then  faith 
in  the  promises  of  God  surmounts  the  whole  and  is  a 
lighthouse  to  all  the  trials  arising  from  this  source.  O 
may  I  have  more  grace  to  accomplish  the  task  that  God 
has  given.  I  want  more  knowledge,  more  faith  and  more 
of  the  spirit  of  God  to  guide  me  in  all  I  attempt  for  the 
furtherance  of  the  Redeemer's  cause.  If  ever  mortal  had 
access  to  God  I  desire  it.  But  I  have  another  source  of 
responsibility  with  which  I  sometimes  am  at  a  loss  to 
know  how  and  what  to  do.  If  it  was  in  putting  new 
only  in  the  mind  I  should  feel  altogether  different  about 
it,  but  there  is  a  work  to  do  to  eradicate  the  old  princi- 
ples which  he  had  formerly  imbibed,  I  mean  the  guardian- 
ship of  a  young  lad.  The  momentous  responsibility 
that  I  took  upon  me  when  I  took  the  guardianship  of  him 
was  far  greater  than  I  anticipated.  You  know  what  a 
rogue  I  was,  and  "  set  a  rogue  to  catch  a  rogue  "  is  the 
old  proverb.  His  habits  drove  me  to  God  with  all  my 
soul  to  pour  my  heart  out  unto. him  for  guidance  and 
direction.  I  talked  and  entreated  and  it  did  not  affect,  it 
seemed  necessary  to  use  correction ;  it  pained  my  soul  but 
it  must  be  done;  I  prayed  and  God  heard  and  blessed 
be  his  name  the  work  was  accomplished  in  part.  To 
keep  him  too  close  may  dispirit  him,  to  let  him  run  too 
much  may  be  ruination  of  his  usefulness.  I  often  wish  I 
had  you  here  to  ask  your  counsel  and  then  perhaps  you 
would  not  know  what  to  do.  You  would  be  surprised 
to  seethe  change  there  is  in  him  thus  far.  The  thought 
that  he  will  yet  be  a  useful  man  in  the  world,  causes  me 
some  consolation  in  the  midst  of  anxiety.  He  is  now 
turning  his  mind  to  his  studies  and  he  now  prays  with 
us  every  day  and  in  prayer  meetings  takes  an  active  part. 


60  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

Yesterday  I  preached  two  Missionary  sermons.  This 
morning  I  heard  him  praying  that  God  would  open  a  way 
that  he  might  be  prepared  to  fill  the  place  of  a  missionary. 
I  feel  thankful  to  God  that  he  ever  induced  you  to  pray 
that  he  might  be  sent  here.  But  I  have  not  time  to  par- 
ticularize any  further.  With  all  that  God  has  laid  upon 
men,  I  have  not  sank  under  but  have  been  permitted  to 
rise  above  them  all.  I  have  not  had  to  leave  the  pulpit 
yet  from  ill  health,  though  sometimes  my  voice  has  been 
very  weak  and  unpleasant  to  the  ear.  The  number  of 
meetings  are  as  many  as  the  days  of  the  year  into  ten. 
God  has  thus  far  led  me  through  ways  almost  unknown 
to  any  one  but  himself!  Who  thought  five  years  ago  I 
should  have  been  preaching  on  my  third  year  as  pastor 
of  one  church.  Truly  "  God's  ways  are  not  as  our  ways." 
The  most  laborious  work  that  I  ever  did  is  to  labor  in 
protracted  meetings.  In  them  I  have  spent  about  two 
months  or  more  this  year.  It  is  a  continual  stretch  of 
the  mind,  the  anxiety  that  is  thrown  upon  the  mind  is 
great,  the  honor  or  dishonor  of  God  in  all,  the  salvation  or 
damnation  of  immortal  souls  keep  the  feelings  stretched 
like  the  cable  of  a  ship  anchored  in  a  storm,  and  that 
is  the  reason  why  God  blesses  them  so.  I  now  commence 
a  new  year  birthday  of  my  life,  it  is  known  only  to  Him 
who  holds  me  in  existence  whether  I  shall  ever  see  the 
close  of  it,  or  how  far  I  may  advance  in  it.  This  may  be 
the  last  commencing  of  a  new  birthday  year  I  may  ever 
see,  if  so,  O,  glorious  news  to  my  soul.  But  whether  I 
live  or  die  I  wish  to  spend  my  life  in  the  service  of  God. 
As  it  respects  my  eternal  destiny,  I  am  not  disposed  to 
query  with  my  heavenly  Father,  for  he  will  do  all  things 
as  he  pleases.     I  believe  I  can  say  with  Peter  "  Lord  thou 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  61 

knowest  that  I  love  thee."  Why  then  should  I  be  con- 
cerned about  my  state  that  I  cannot  effect  only  to  serve 
him  while  on  this  earth.  May  God  grant  you  my  dear 
parents  more  faithful  children  to  serve  God,  and  may 
each  of  us  be  ornaments  to  your  gray  hairs  in  the  hours 
of  dissolution.  I  must  close  as  I  have  to  go  ten  miles  to 
deliver  a  temperance  address.  That  you  may  be  sustained 
in  all  the  vicissitudes  of  life,  I   subscribe  myself, 

Your  unworthy  son 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


Stows  Square  Dec.  8th,  1835. 

Being  the  27th  year  of  the  earthly  existence  of  Lewis 
Alfred,  eldest  son  of  Jonas  and  Sarah  Wickes. 
My  Dear  and  Most  Affectionate  Parents  : 

It  is  with  pleasure  that  I  have  the  privilege  of  writing 
to  you  this  day,  not  because  of  the  worth  of  my 
Birthday  liters,  or  the  power  of  communicating  anything 
■■cok      instructive  to  you,  but  of  showing  my  regard  to 
those  ever  dear  and  honored  parents,  who  were 
the  instruments  of  my  life,  who  watched  over  me  when  a 
helpless  child,  clothed  and  fed  me    when    an    ungrateful 
child,  instructed  and  prayed  for  me  when  pushing  through 
countless  blessings  down  to  eternal  woe.     It  seems   but 
a  day  in  comparison  since  I  wrote  my  first    birthday  let- 
ter, date  1 83 1.     I  know  it  should    be  my  care  to   fill   up 
every  inch  of  time  in  such  a  way  "  that  I  may  give  some 
good  account  at  last."     O,  that  God's  gracious   influence 
may  be  ever  exerted  to  bind    my  wandering    heart  to 


62  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Jesus  and  his  cause.  I  must  of  necessity  be  brief.  I 
have  been  blessed  with  a  good  degree  of  health,  so  that  I 
have  been  able  to  fulfill  my  engagements  and  appoint- 
ments. I  have  conducted  two  protracted  meetings  out 
of  this  town.  There  were  several  conversions  to  God. 
To  God  be  all  the  glory  given.  When  I  see  how  little 
good  I  do  it  weakens  my  faith,  and  then  God,  of  course, 
cannot  bless,  "  for  according  to  your  faith  be  it  unto  you." 
And  when  God  does  bless,  I  get  so  proud,  that  he  has  to 
abase  me.  O,  for  a  great  share  of  humility  and  faith  in 
the  promises  of  God.  I  preached  the  funeral  sermons  of 
four  individuals,  and  they  were  all  men,  and  older  than 
myself.  How  soon  God  may  call  me  I  know  not.  I  want 
to  be  prepared  to  live,  and  then  I  shall  be  ready  to  die. 
I  am  sensible  that  the  life  of  a  private  Christian  ought 
not  to  satisfy  me.  I  know  that  it  is  my  duty  to  live 
nearer  to  God,  and  set  a  more  holy  example,  than  a  pri- 
vate member  of  the  church.  I  have  been  set  apart  for  the 
office  of  the  sanctuary  of  God,  and  have  sworn  to  be 
wholly  consecrated  to  the  work  of  the  Lord,  not  serve 
tables.  And  besides  ministers  are  to  be  an  example  for 
others  to  follow.  And  Christians  are  expecting  to  find 
in  ministers  an  example  of  holy  life  (comparatively  I  mean), 
and  the  world  to  find  ministers  ever  ready  to  warn 
admonish,  and  entreat  for  the  cause  of  Christ.  But  oh  how 
far  short  have  I  lived  !  and  what  an  untoward  example 
have  I  set !  Some  of  the  wicked  tried  to  injure  me,  but 
I  can  hardly  say  that  it  was  for  Christ's  sake.  But  I 
have  felt  that 


"  Mine  enemy  is  oft  my  friend,  though  wrathful   and   severe. 
He  helps  to  perfect  that  great  end,  for  which  I  linger  here." 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  63 

Labors  of  I  have  preached  during  the  year  one  hundred 
the  year.  an(j  thirty-six  sermons,  admininistered  the  Lord's 
Supper  three  times,  attended  about  one  hundred  and 
thirty  prayer  and  conference  meetings,  attended  five  meet- 
ings of  ecclesiastical  bodies,  delivered  three  temperance 
addresses,  attended  two  Sabbath  school  celebrations,  sol- 
emnized four  marriages,  and  written  one  hundred  and 
twenty  letters.  Thus  I  have  given  you  but  a  brief  sketch 
of  the  last  year  of  my  life.  It  is  gone,  and  gone  to  all 
eternity.  It  may  be  reviewed,  but  it  can  never  be 
recalled.  The  only  remedy  is  to  live  more  to  the  glory  of 
God,  in  whatever  times  I  may  have  to  live,  in  the  coming 
year;  I  now  have  commenced.'  I  may  not  close  it  in  this 
world,  or  if  I  am  permitted  to  live,  I  know  not  what  is 
before  me.  Oh,  for  a  heart  to  say  as  well  as  lips  :  "  Let 
the  morrow  take  care  for  the  things  of  itself."  Sufficient 
unto  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof.  I  know  it  is  easy  to 
plan  ottt  how  to  spend  my  time,  but  it  is  another  thing 
to  live  out  the  plan.  I  think  God  wants  us  to  work  for 
the  present  advancement  of  his  kingdom,  and  the  present 
conversion  of  sinners.  May  the  Lord  give  me  that  "  wis- 
dom which  is  from  above,"  that  I  may  be  enabled  to 
promote  the  cause  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

That  your  last  days  may  be  days  of  usefulness,  of 
peace  and  joy,  and  that  every  child  which  you  have 
brought  up  may  be  to  you  a  crown  of  joy  and  blessed- 
ness, is  the  prayer  of  Your  Eldest  Son, 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 

Written  to  his  wife  during  her  absence  to  her  parents 
(where  she  met  Mrs.  Ermina  N.  Worcester,  a  missionary 
to  the  Indian  tribes,  and  daughter  of  Father  Nash,  of 


64  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

saintly  memory,)  giving  his  thoughts  on  his  pastoral  life, 
fearing  the  results  from  his  natural  volatility  and  levity 
in  conversation.  Antwerp,  Oct.  19,  1837. 

DEAR  LOVE. — It  is  near  12  o'clock  at  night,  and  I 
have  but  just  got  back  from  meeting,  where  we  felt  God 
was.  There  is  indeed  some  little  feeling,  and  yet  how 
small.  The  cause  is  suffering  for  the  want  of  helpers. 
But  how  scarce  they  are  who  really  feel  for  the  salvation 
of  souls.  I  sometimes  feel  that  I  am  more  in  the  way 
than  all  the  others.  Oh,  for  a  heart  to  be  filled  with  the 
Holy  Spirit,  to  have  God  direct  me  in  the  path  in  which 
I  should  walk.  It  is  in  vain  for  us  to  expect  that  we  can 
do  anything  without  the  Spirit  of  God.  And  we  may  as 
well  stay  away  from  Antwerp  as  to  live  here,  and  not 
walk  in  Christ.  How  much  there  is  contained  in  that 
expression  of  Paul:  Gal.  5:7,  "Stand  fast  in  the  liberty, 
wherewith  Christ  has  made  us  free  and  not  be  again 
entangled  in  the  yoke  of  bondage."  The  liberty  which 
we  enjoyed  was  that  of  the  sons  of  God,  and  that  which 
Christ  maketh  free,  is  free  indeed.  Free  from  every  bond- 
age, and  every  corruption,  and  all  unbelief.  Truly,  to  be 
Jesus  Christ's  free  man  is  a  great  blessing  indeed,  and  O, 
how  few  of  us  do  really  enjoy  it.  The  more  I  see  of  my 
heart,  the  more  I  feel  that  I  mistook  my  calling  in  choos- 
ing the  ministry  of  reconciliation.  How  little  like  Christ 
do  I  feel,  and  how  much  do  I  pattern  after  the  image  of 
hell.  O,  for  a  crucifixion  to  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  to 
be  crucified  to  the  world.  But  may  I  be  an  example  to 
others.  Do  pray  for  this  place  and  get  hold  on  the  arm 
of  God.  Make  an  occasional  call  at  your  old  closet  and 
sei  what  God  would  say  there,  compare  your  present 
faith  with  what  you  once  had,  and  how  you  once  claimed 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  65 

the  promises  of  God.  I  am  quite  anxious  to  hear  from 
you.  I  have  just  had  a  visit  from  Brother  Lawrence,  who 
has  tarried  all  night  with  us,  and  has  been  up  to  meet- 
ing with  me,  he  is  a  good  brother.  He  preaches  in  L. 
next  Sabbath.  If  there  is  no  preaching  on  the  S.,  you 
had  best  to  go  and  hear  him.  Love  to  all.  But  I  must 
close.     Pray,  pray. 

As  ever  yours, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


There  is  an  omission  here  of  two  years.  The  follow- 
ing letter  from  Rev.  Isaac  Clinton,  regarding  the  early 
history  of  the  church  of  Antwerp,  attests  Mr.  Wickes' 
labors  and  interest  in  his  work. 

LowviLLE,  Dec.  26th,  1837. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : 

Your  note  of  December  5th,  was  duly  received,  and 
the  reason  why  it  has  not  been  answered  sooner,  has  not 
been  because  of  any  neglect,  but  because  of  low  and 
feeble  health.  I  well  recollect  that  I  did  organize  the 
church  at  Antwerp,  and  to  the  best  of  my  remembrance, 
one  Elder  and  one  Deacon  were  elected  and  ordained, 
and  the  Lord's  Supper  administered  and  some  baptisms. 
A  record  of  all  the  transactions  was  made  on  a  loose 
sheet  of  paper  and  left  with  the  officers  of  the  church, 
who  were  directed  to  procure  a  blank  book  suitable  to 
record  the  doings  of  the  church  sessions,  and  into  which 
they  were  directed  to  transcribe  the  record  which  I  left 
them — I  believe  it  was  about  as  long  ago  as  you  speak 
of,  viz.,  eighteen  or  twenty  years — and  if  the  record 
which  I  left  them  has  been  lost,  I  do   not    see  how   that 


66  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

can  in  any  way  effect  the  existence  of  the  church,  as  that 
has  been  recognized  by  the  Presbytery,  received  under 
their  care,  and  their  records  often  examined  and  appro- 
bated. About  the  time  of  the  organization  of  that 
church  I  was  often  there,  and  was  well  acquainted  with 
most  of  the  people,  but  for  some  twelve  or  fifteen  years 
past  I  have  been  there  but  seldom.  At  the  formation  of 
the  church  the  scene  was  solemn,  and  deeply  impressive, 
and  not  easily  to  be  effaced  from  my  mind.  And  if,  as 
you  say,  it  was  organized  in  a  ball  room  and  the  ordinances 
of  Christ  administered,  I  do  not  know  how  that  could 
any  way  affect  the  legality  of  those  transactions.  It 
was  an  upper  chamber,  and  many  associated  many  pleas- 
ing recollections  and  precious  thoughts  concerning  the 
first  administrations  of  the  Sacred  Supper  by  our  Lord 
Himself.  And  as  there  was  not  at  that  time  even  a 
school  house  where  religious  meetings  could  be  held,  it 
was  certainly  very  kind  in  Mr.  Copeland  to  offer  and  open 
his  chamber  for  such  a  meeting,  and  as  often  as  preach- 
ing could  be  obtained.  In  reading  the  history  of  the 
Free  churches  in  New  York,  I  find  that  for  a  while  one 
of  them  used  the  Masonic  hall,  another  a  theatre,  and 
another  a  brewery,  and  I  have  never  been  disposed  to 
censure  them  for  that.  If  evil  had  ever  been  done  in 
those  places  or  in  Mr.  Copeland's  chamber,  I  do  not  see 
in  that  circumstance  any  justifiable  reason  why  good 
should  not  be  done  in  the  same  places.  As  I  said,  the 
scene  was  solemn  and  deeply  affecting.  The  church  felt 
it  and  others  appeared  to  feel  it.  I  believe  Christ  was 
there.  Since  that  time  the  church  has  had  many  trials 
many  have  died,  many  have  moved  away,  and  others, 
strangers  to  me,  have  been  united  to  it.     Changes  have 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  67 

taken  place,  but  the  church  lives.  It  is,  I  trust,  a  vine 
of  the  Lord's  planting,  and  God  has  not  forsaken  it. 
Yes,  that  church  as  well  as  many  others,  which  I  have 
been  the  humble  instrument  of  organizing,  still  lives  and 
blessed  be  God,  it  lives  in  my  heart  and  affections,  and 
has  a  lively  interest,  and  an  affectionate  remembrance  in 
my  prayers.  Again,  you  say  the  church  in  Antwerp 
was  organized  in  a  ball  room!  Be  it  so,  but  did  that 
circumstance  vitiate,  or  in  the  least  degree  affect  the 
legality  or  the  sacredness  of  the  transactions?  Nothing 
from  without  a  man,  defileth  a  man,  but  that  which  is 
from  within,  which  proceedeth  from  the  heart,  being  pure, 
is  acceptable  unto  God,  but  being  impure,  that  defileth  a 
man.  Present  my  best  respects  and  regards  to  the 
church  at  Antwerp;  tell  them  it  is  my  devout  and 
ardent  prayer  that  they  may  be  forgetting  the  things  that 
are  behind  and  pressing  forward  unto  those  things  that 
are  before,  unto  the  mark  of  the  prize  of  their  high  call- 
ing of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  And  may  God  make  all  grace 
abound  towards  them.  May  they  be  abundantly  blessed 
with  copious  showers  of  divine  influence,  be  increased  in 
numbers,  and  enriched  with  all  spiritual  gifts  and  graces. 
Yes,  may  grace,  mercy  and  peace  from  God,  the  Father, 
and  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  be  multiplied  unto  them. 

N.  B. — I  wish,  sir,  that  when  you  make  your  state- 
ment on  the  first  Sabbath  of  the  year,  you  have  the  good- 
ness to  read  this  letter  to  the  church  and    congregation. 

Yours,  in  the  faith  and  fellowship  of  the  Gospel, 

ISAAC  CLINTON. 


Being  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  the  life  of   L.    A. 
Wickes,  the   oldest    son  of  ten    children  of  Jonas   and 


68  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

Sarah  B.   Wickes,  the  husband  of  Cynthia  and  father  of 
Aurelia  Elizabeth,  and  Emma  Maria  Wickes : 

Antwerp,  Dec.  8th,  1836. 
Most  Affectionate  Parents: 

I  suppose  that  by  the  twelfth  of  this  month,  you 
will  be,  according  to  custom,  expecting  what  you  call  my 
"  birthday  letter."  Well,  were  it  not  that  I  loved  my 
parents,  you  would  not  see  it.  But  having  by  experience, 
the  feeling  of  a  parent,  I  cannot  refuse  to  do  all  in  my 
power  to  make  my  dear  father  and  mother  happy. 
Though,  perhaps,  only  to  raise  them  to  a  higher  summit, 
that  if  I  should  prove  disgraceful  to  my  parentage  and 
the  cause  of  Christ,  to  sink  them  deeper  in  sorrow  and 
mourning,    from  which  thing  may  heaven  ever  keep  me. 

If  I  recollect  right,  my  first  "birthday  letter"  was 
written  in  this  town,  the  day  that  I  was  twenty-one 
years  of  age.  That  is  seven  years  ago,  to-day,  in  the 
house  of  Deacon  Lacy,  at  what  is  called  the  Oxbow,  in 
this  town.  Little  did  I  then  think  that  I  should  be 
here  at  so  late  a  period.  I  commenced  my  public  talk- 
ing at  the  Oxbow,  from  which  place  I  came  here  in  March, 

1831,  when  this  place  had  been  deserted  by  all  ministers, 
and  every  thing  bad  was  connected  with  the  name  of 
Antwerp.  Here  I  stayed,  conducted  their  public  wor- 
ship for  eighteen  months,  during  which  time  I  laid  the 
foundation  of  a  church  edifice,  raised  a  subscription  to 
build  the  house,  and  got  nearly  all  the  materials  on  the 
ground  to  complete  the  house.     And  on  the  8th  of  May^ 

1832,  I  was  licensed  to  preach  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ,  and  on  the  18th  of  May,  I  commenced  my  labors 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  69 

with  the  church  of  Stow's  Square,  which  continued  for 
four  years,  during  which  time  I  married  me  a  wife,  visited 
my  parents,  had  two  children  born.  And  on  the  1st  of 
July,  1836,  I  came,  after  repeated  invitations,  to  this  place 
and  commenced  my  present  campaign,  having  been 
ordained  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  Feb.,  1833.  Thus  God 
showed  me  "my  ways  were  not  His  ways,  and  my 
thoughts  were  not  His  thoughts."  When  in  this  town 
before,  I  verily  thought  I  never  should  be  able  to  stand 
professedly  on  the  watch  tower  of  Zion,  and  that  in  all 
probability,  I  should,  in  a  year  or  two,  go  to  eternity. 
But  I  sometimes  felt  I  did  not  care  how  soon.  Yet  here 
I  am  as  rugged  as  ever  nearly,  and  able  to  preach  from 
seven  to  fifteen  times  a  week.  Truly,  what  a  great 
debtor  I  am,  and  shall  be,  owing  God  for  strength  thus 
to  work  a'nd  labor.  I  know  I  have  nothing  to  cancel  it 
with,  and  except  I  can  show  a  pardon  sealed  by  the 
Savior,  I  must  ever  be  imprisoned  for  debt,  and  that  justly 
too.  Oh,  for  an  obedient  heart.  As  to  this  year,  I  have 
nothing  very  special  to  write.  As  to  the  number  of 
meetings  that  I  have  attended,  the  number  of  sermons, 
etc.,  I  cannot  tell,  as  I  have  kept  no  memoranda.  1 
have  held  three  neighborhood  protracted  meetings,  and 
have  witnessed  the  conversion  of  about  fifty  or  sixty 
souls  to  God.  Yet  how  small  a  number  in  comparison 
to  what  it  should  be.  There  is  one  neighborhood  in  this 
town  that  goes  by  the  name  of  Arab  settlement.  This 
neighborhood,  it  has  pleased  God,  to  visit  in  mercy.  We 
commenced  a  little  meeting  and  continued  for  six  or 
seven  days,  and  I  cannot  tell  how  many  have  been  con 
verted  to  God,  some  of  the  most  profane  men,  and 
women  too,  have  bowed  at  the  feet  of  Christ,  and  give  a 


70  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

pleasing  evidence  of  a  change  of  heart.  But  I  think  it 
probable,  that  you  could  not  hardly  swallow  some,  of 
what  the  wicked  call  noisy  meetings,  yet-  you  might  as 
well  take  fire  into  your  bosom  and  not  make  a  noise  in 
groaning,  etc.,  as  to  make  Christians  hold  their  peace 
when  they  felt  for  souls.  We  begin  to  feel  a  little  here 
that  we  do  not  accomplish  much  in  a  meeting,  if  we  do 
not  rob  Satan  of  one  of  his  children,  and  bring  a  wan- 
derer home  to  his  Father's  house.  Yet,  how  small  is  our 
faith,  and  how  weak  is  our  love  to  him.  When  I  see  one 
soul  born  to  God  in  answer  to  prayer,  I  say  that  I  never 
will  doubt  God  again,  and  perhaps,  the  next  time  I  bow 
before  him,  damning  unbelief  rolls  up  again,  and  then 
another  combat  with  powers  of  hell  to  subdue.  Oh 
unbelief!  one  of  the  strongest  powers  of  Satan.  But 
still  Satan  is  a  conquered  foe,  and  by  watchfulness 
prayers  and  perseverance  I  can  yet  conquer,  and  my 
prayer,  if  only  indicted  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  can  move  this 
whole  region,  and  make  the  wicked  bow.  Oh,  what  a 
difference  there  is  in  making  prayer,  saying  prayer  and 
praying.  I  suppose  it  is  a  difference  that  you  have  long 
known  and  felt,  and  what  a  happy  thing  it  would  be  if 
the  young  would  take  the  experience  of  the  old,  and  go 
on  towards  perfection,  and  not  have  to  begin  again  to 
lay  the  old  superstructure  that  has  been  laid  so  many 
times.  But  instead  of  that  we  must  all  learn  by  our 
own  experience.and  then  lament  at  every  step  that  we  take 
that  we  serve  God  no  more  faithfully.  It  has  been  a  source 
of  pain  to  me,  that  so  few  have  felt  for  the  welfare  of  souls 
and  the  church  have  laid  down  in  their  dens,  as  though 
they  had  nothing  to  do  in  the  cause  of  God.  "  It  is 
like  children  in  the  market  places,  who  will  neither  lament 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  71 

or  dance."  Oh,  what  an  apathy !  Truly,  it  is  to  be 
dreaded  more  than  thunder  bursting  over  their  heads. 
Yet  there  is  a  bright  side  to  all  the  dark.  There  are  a 
few  who  do  feel  for  souls  in  this  region.  There  are  several 
places,  where  we  have  seen  salvation,  and  where  there  are 
some  revivals.  May  God  add  to  their  number  and  con- 
tinue the  work,  until  the  angel  shall  stand  one  foot  on 
the  dry  land  and  the  other  on  the  sea,  and  pronounce 
time  shall  be  no  longer.  Oh,  what  a  day  will  that  be  to 
those  who  have  no  God!! 

Pray  for  your  affectionate  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Antwerp,  Dec.  ii,  1838. 

My  Dearest  Parents: 

You  perceive  by  this  date  that  it  is  three  days  alter 

_.  ,  ,      the  usual  time  for  my  birthday  letter,  but   it  is 

Review  of  the  first  opportunity  that   has  offered  itself  for 
1838 

me  to  write,  and  now  I  have  no  time  in  compar- 
ison, that  I  can  possibly  devote  to  writing.  This  year 
has  been  a  busy  year  with  me.  I  have,  however,  held 
only  three  protracted  meetings,  one  which  lasted  thirty 
days,  and  the  others  from  two  to  three  weeks,  and  many 
souls  have,  I  trust,  been  born  to  God,  for  which  He  shall 
have  the  glory,  for  it  is  due  to  His  great  and  holy  name. 
But  the  multiplied  duties  of  the  minister's  life  have 
increased  constantly,  and  the  responsibility  has  also 
augmented  and  increased,  and,  Oh,  that  I  but  felt  it  still 
more,  then  might  I  act  as  becometh  the  child  of  God, 


72  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

and  as  the  professed  minister  of  Christ.  But  while  some 
good  has  been  done,  the  Lord  only  knows  how  much 
evil  has  been  done  by  my  unguarded,  and  my  unholy 
walk.  May  the  Lord  direct  me  to  the  right  path,  that 
I  may  see  the  enormity  of  my  own  heart.  The  addi- 
tions to  the  church  have  been  many  during  the  year,  and 
here  responsibility  increases  constantly  around  me.  I 
am  more  and  more  convinced  that  God  intends  we  should 
build  up  his  cause,  and  that  man  is  his  co-worker. 

There  have  been  some  interesting  cases  of  conversion. 
Oh,  how  good  it  is  to  see  men  enlisting  in  the  cause  of 
the  Redeemer,  and  sowing  the  seed  of  righteousness.  I 
do  not  know  why  the  word  Thirty  has  such  an  effect  on 
a  person.  But  I  now  feel  I  am  getting  to  be  what  is 
called  a  man  of  middle  age,  almost,  having  lived  to 
commence  my  30th  year.  Can  it  be  possible?  How 
short  in  appearance,  is  the  time  that  has  elapsed  since  I 
wrote  my  first  birthday  letter  from  this  town,  at  the  age 
of  twenty-one,  yet  it  has  been  some  years.  Neither 
does  it  look  long  since  I  commenced  my  studies.  Nor 
is  it  beyond  my  memory  when  I  removed  from  Reading 
to'  Troy;  nor  when  I  went  to  the  West;  when  I  used  to 
wear  the  little  checkered  apron  ;  nor  do  I  forget  being 
drawn  to  school  by  my  dear  Father  on  a  little  hand-sled, 
in  Dutchess  County ;  nor  is  the  impression  effaced  from 
my  memory  of  seeing  a  drunken  man  lay  upon  the  floor 
in  grandfather's  bar-room,  at  Rhynebeck  Landing;  nor 
of  going  into  the  store-house  to  catch  snow  birds  with 
some  of  my  uncles ;  nor  do  I  forget  when  I  was  taken  to 
the  Methodist  Church  and  seated  along  with  cousin, 
William  Lemon,  on  the  steps  around  the  altar,  and  there 
taught  to  kneel  as  others  knelt  for  prayer ;    nor  have  I 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  73 

forgotten  on  a  visit  to  some  of  our  connection  (I  cannot 
tell  where),  I  received  a  little  looking  glass  as  a  present, 
and  a  whipping  with  a  planting  rod  from  my  mother ; 
nor  do  I  forget  how  many  times  I  have  compelled  her  to 
whip  me  since  ! 

Truly  how  checkered  has  been  my  life,  and  scarcely 
have  I  thought  of  the  passing  of  time,  until  I  began  to 
say,  I  am  in  my  30th  year.  Now  I  feel  it  is  time  to  put 
away  childish  things.  Who  would  have  thought  that  I 
should  have  visited  my  parents  but  once  in  almost  nine 
years.  But  so  it  is.  I  have  been  almost  compelled  to 
start  for  Albany,  by  the  pleadings  of  little  Aurelia  and 
Emma,  when  they  come  into  my  study  and  say, "  Pa,  won't 
you  go  to  Albany?"  Why  dears?"  "Because  we 
want  to  see  Grandpa  and  Grandma  Wickes."  "  Why  do 
you  wish  to  see  them?"  "Because  we  have  never  seen 
them,  and  if  you  will  go  we  will  give  them  a  good  kiss. 
Pa  will  you  go  when  you  get  money  enough?"  There 
is  a  power  in  their  pleadings  that  is  stronger  than  any 
but  a  parent  can  know.  We  have  during  the  last  year 
enjoyed  a  good  degree  of  health.  Health  is  a  great 
boon  of  Heaven.  When  the  bodily  health  is  good  the 
mind  is  clear.  Aurelia  learns  quite  easily ;  she  reads  a 
great  deal  of  the  time,  so  much  so,  I  am  inclined  to  think 
it  is  not  good  for  her.  She  is  very  thankful  for  the  book 
you  sent  her,  though  it  is  quite  hard  for  her  to  compre- 
hend. I  do  not  know  what  we  may  do  about  sending 
her  to  school;  as  yet,  we  do  not  think  it  best.  Emma 
enjoys  very  good  health  as  a  general  thing,  and  loves  her 
books,  but  is  one  of  the  most  uneasy  things  you  ever 
saw,  all  the  time  on  the  move.  She  reads  in  her  abs.  I 
desire  that  their  life  and  education  may  be  for  the  glory 


74  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

of  God,  and  the  building  up  of  his  cause.  And  it  is  my 
earnest  prayer  that  they  may  know  what  practical  Godli- 
ness is  in  their  early  days  How  responsible  and 
accountable  is  the  station  of  a  parent.  How  little  do  those 
who  are  about  forming  the  marriage  connection  think  of 
it,  or  even  know  about  it.  But  glorious  promise,  "My 
grace  is  sufficient  for  you."  Remember  us  to  all  the 
brothers  and  sisters,  and  may  we  all  meet  in  Heaven,  is 
the  prayer  of  your  son. 

Lewis. 


(An  extract). 

Antwerp,  Dec.  9,  1839. 

My  Dear  and  Afeectionate  Parents: 

You  perceive  that  I  date  this  one  day  after  my  birth- 
day,  yesterday  being  Sabbath,  I  could  not 
Review  of  devote  to  writing.  How  important  so  to  im- 
1839.  prove  time,  that  we  may  meet  it  at  the  bar  of 
God  with  delight,  feeling  that  we  may  meet  with  his 
blessed  approval  of  "  Well  done  good  and  faitJifnl 
servant,  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will 
make  thee  ruler  over  many.  Enter  thou  into  the  joy  of 
thy  Lord."  Oh,  how  full  of  meaning  is  that  text ! 
What  is  a  good  servant,  and  what  qualities  does  a  faith- 
ful servant  possess  ?  I  am  very  sensible  that  I  cannot 
receive  that  appellation  on  my  acts  of  obedience.  The 
Lord  has  blessed  me  with  a  better  state  of  health  during 
the  last  year  of  my  life,  than  for  several  years  before.  I 
have  felt  that  God  was  taking  charge  of  my  body,  and 
was  strengthening  me,  but  why,  I  can  hardly  tell,  for  I 
make  such  a  poor  use  of  my  time,  it  must  be  but  poor 
encouragement  for  God  to  thus  bless.     I  sincerely  ask 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  75 

forgiveness    for  all   my   unfaithfulness.     I    have   had   to 
groan  over  my  negligence,  until  it   has  learnt  me  that 
obedience  is  better  than   sacrifice.     I  have  held  a   pro- 
tracted  meeting   since   we    returned   from    Albany    in 
September.       I    preached    every    night    for    seventeen 
evenings,  and  twice   a  day  for   fifteen   days   more,   and 
done  talking  and  praying  enough  to  preach   two  more 
each  day,  besides,  and  the  Lord  blessed  to  the  conver- 
sions of  immortal  souls.     Some  hard   hearts,  by  grace, 
were  made  to  bow  to  the  Savior.     One  man,  that  is  a 
very   intelligent    man,  a    man    worth    some    five    or  six 
thousand    dollars,  had    been   an  awful    drunkard,   came 
out  on  the  side  of  the  Lord,  as  we  have  reason  to  hope. 
After  attending  the  meeting  some  two  or  three  days,  I 
visited  him  at  his  house.     He  rose  in   the  congregation 
and  addressed  Bro.  A.  Stevens,  and  said  :     "  Mr.  Stevens 
I  can  forgive  you  to-night.     You   recollect  that   about 
three  years  ago,  you  prayed  for  me,  and  in  your  prayer 
you  prayed  I  might  be  broken  off  from  my  cups,  for  '  no 
drunkard  should  enter  the  kingdom  of  Heaven.'     There 
was  considerable  fuss  made  about   it,  and  you  came  to 
me,  and  said  it  was  ill  timed,  and  not  proper  at  that  time 
and  place.     I  told  you  I  would  never  forgive  you  as  long 
as  I  lived.     But  I  can  do  it  to-night,  and  feel  willing  to 
get  down  at  your  feet  and  ask  your  forgiveness  for  the 
abuse  I  have  heaped  upon  you.     Your  prayer  was  right, 
and  I  knew  it.     The  Lord,  my  family,  my  friends,  and 
my  conscience  were  all  on  one  side,  and  my  appetite  and 
the  devil    on     the  other.      I   followed    the    devil.       My 
drunkenness  from  that  time  has  cost  me  more  than  one 
thousand  dollars.     At  the  rate  I  have  gone  since  that7 
in  two  years  more  I   should  land  my  family  in  Canton 


76  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

poor  house,  and  myself  in  the  drunkard's  grave.  My 
friends,  I  am  determined  to  serve  my  God,  if  it  costs  me 
all  I  am  worth.  I  know  my  besetting  sin.  Do  pray  for 
me,  that  the  Lord  will  help  me  to  overcome  my  wicked- 
ness." He  has  lived  so  far  very  exemplary,  and  the 
wicked  have  been  compelled  to  acknowledge  the  hand  of 
the  Lord  in  it,  and  as  the  work  of  God.  May  it  please 
the  Lord  to  make  him  what  he  desired  to  be,  "  a  worker 
in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord."  There  were  several  cases 
of  thrilling  interest,  and  the  Lord  laid  his  hand  heavily 
on  their  abominations.  There  was  one  young  man,  who 
came  forward  to  the  anxious  seat  for  prayers,  wanted  to 
be  a  Christian,  and  day  after  day  he  would  come,  but 
would  not  yield  up  all  for  God.  What  was  in  the  way, 
I  could  not  tell.  One  day  he  was  on  his  knees  trying  to 
pray,  but  could  not.  He  was  told  his  sins  must  be  con- 
fessed out,  let  them  be  what  they  were,  if  he  died  in  the 
work.  "  I  will,"  says  he,  "  I  will."  He  rose  from  his 
knees  and  said :  "  My  friends,  I  did  not  intend  to  come 
to  this  meeting,  but  I  could  not  stay  away,  and  when  I 
came,  I  was  determined  not  to  be  found  on  the  anxious 
seat,  but  I  could  not  keep  off.  I  thought  I  would  be  a 
Christian,  but  I  could  not.  I  was  willing  to  do  every- 
thing but  one  thing,  and  that  I  did  not  believe  was 
necessary,  but  there  I  have  stood,  and  can  not  live  so. 
That  one  thing  that  kept  me  back,  was  a  beehive  full  of 
honey.  Every  time  that  I  would  ask  God  to  have 
mercy  on  me,  the  beehive  would  come  up,  and  I  said  I 
cannot  confess  it."  (An  innocent  man  had  been  charged 
with  it).  "But  I  do  now  acknowledge  that  I  took  Mr. 
Bushnal's  beehive.  I  have  confessed  it  to  him,  and  paid 
him  for  it,  and  I  ask  forgiveness  of  all  in  this  house.     I 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  77 

did  not  get  stung  at  the  time,  but  I  have  been  stung 
ever  since.  It  was  sweet  to  my  taste,  but  it  has  proved 
a  bitter  pill  to  me."  He  then,  as  we  trust,  found  his 
heart  willing  to  bow  at  the  feet  of  the  Lord,  and  endeav- 
ored to  lead  others  to  the  Savior.  It  would  have  done 
your  souls  good  to  have  seen  parents  and  children, 
brothers  and  sisters,  mingling  their  prayers,  and  tears, 
and  confessions  together.  Parents  weeping  over  the 
conversion  of  children,  and  children  rejoicing  over  the 
conversion  of  parents.  Oh,  if  there  is  joy  in  Heaven, 
why  should  not  we  have  some  little  foretaste  of  what 
we  shall  in  full  by  and  by.  There  have  been  during  this 
present  year,  about  eighty  hopefully  converted  to  the 
Lord.  But  it  should  be  hundreds,  instead  of  tens.  And 
relying  on  the  promises  of  God,  I  expect  to  see  it  yet. 
"  For  the  children  of  God  shall  be  as  numerous  as  the 
hosts  of  Heaven,  and  as  the  sand  upon  the  sea  shore, 
and  when  God's  people  shall  take  delight  in  the  stones  ot 
Jerusalem,  then  will  her  light  shine,  and  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  shall  appear."  Another  meeting  is  expected  here. 
Pray  for  me.  I  want  the  wisdom  of  God  to  direct  me 
what  to  do. 

Your  Affectionate  Son, 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


Antwerp,  December  8,  1840,  being  the  commence- 
ment of  thirty-two  years  of  the  life  of  Lewis  Alfred, 
eldest  son  of  Jonas  and  Sarah  B.  Wickes,  and  who  was 
born  at  Hyde  Park,  Dutchess  County,  New  York  State. 


78  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

Most  Affectionate  and  Kindest  of  Parents  : 

Another  year  has  rolled  into  the  eternal  world,  and  is 
among  those  that  have  gone  before  it,  and  of  which  it 
may  be  said,  "  it  was,  and  is  gone."  How  different  time 
is  from  eternity.  It  will  there  be  said,  that  it  is,  but 
never  that  it  was.  When  the  Lord  had  created  the  sun, 
etc.,  He  tells  their  use. — "  To  divide  the  day  from  the 
night,  and  let  them  be  for  signs,  and  for  seasons,  and  for 
days,  and  for  years."  (Gen:  i:  14.)  It  is  from  these 
that  we  know  of  the  flight  of  time.  The  sun  has  risen 
and  set  so  many  times,  and  the  stars,  like  so  many 
candles,  have  appeared  as  often,  (though  not  always  to 
be  seen  by  us),  and  thus  is  known  that  a  year  has  rolled 
round.  But  in  eternity  there  is  no  sun,  moon,  or  stars. 
(Rev.  21:  23).  So  we  have  no  patterns  to  number  the 
days,  for  there  is  no  night  (that  is  to  the  righteous),  and 
no  day  for  the  abode  of  sorrow.  But  I  suppose  there 
will  be  a  consciousness  of  the  duration  of  joy  and 
sorrow.  How  delightful  the  thought,  that  we  may  all 
meet  there.  Are  our  ranks  to  be  broken,  and  who  shall 
be  the  one  ?  *  *  *  Indeed,  can  you  tell  me  when  a  child 
ceases  to  be  a  child,  for  Paul  says,  "when  I  was  a  child,  I 
thought  as  a  child,  I  spake  as  a  child,  but  since  I 
became  a  man"  etc.  Is  it  a  sudden  step  from  child  to 
man,  and  from  young  man  to — what  kind  of  a  man  shall 
I  call  it,  or  is  it  a  gradual  process  of  little  by  little  ?  But 
after  all,  what  matters  it.  I  am  an  immortal  being,  and 
so  is  my  fellow,  whether  a  child,  a  young  man,  a  man  in 
the  meridian  of  life,  or  past  the  noon-time  of  life,  and  to 
all  I  have  duties  to  do,  according  to  my  ability  and 
opportunity,  and  may  it  please  the  Lord  to  grant  me 
His  grace  to  qualify  me  for  them.      In  reviewing  my  life 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  79 

for  the  past  year,  I  find  so  much  of  unfaithfulness  in  it, 
that  it  seems  that  I  have  nothing  but  a  chapter  of  con- 
fessions on  my  part  to  record,  and  of  God's  unbounded 
forbearance  on  his  part,  for  the  more  I  see  of  myself,  the 
more  does  the  long  suffering  of  Christ  appear  towards 
rebels,  and  compassion  towards  the  chief  of  sinners. 
For  truly  the  Lord  is  good,  and  his  tender  mercies  aie 
over  all  his  works,  and  I  find  him  to  be  good  even  to  me, 
as  vile  as  I  am,  and  as  unfaithful  as  I  may  have  been. 
There  is  not  anything  peculiar  in  my  history  of  the  last 
year.  I  have  seen  some  seventy  or  one  hundred  hope- 
fully converted  to  Christ.  This,  to  be  sure,  has  caused 
the  angels  in  Heaven  to  rejoice,  and  some  have  given 
glory  to  God  on  earth  for  the  gift  of  his  Holy  Spirit. 
How  cheerful  it  would  be  if  all  the  converts  could  be 
counted  by  the  1,000  and  10,000  a  day.  May  the  Lord 
hasten  the  day.  My  labors  have  been  more  interrupted 
by  ill  health,  than  for  ten  or  twelve  years.  But  the 
Lord  is  now  helping  me,  and  I  find  that  I  have  more 
strength  given  to  me  daily.  Pray  that  I  may  use  it  for 
the  honor  and  glory  of  God.  May  God  crown  your  last 
days  with  joy,  is  the  prayer  of  your  affectionate  son. 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Beginning  of  Evangelistic  Work. 

In  February,  1841,  Mr.  Wickes  went  to  Richville  and 
assisted  Rev.  Gorham  Cross  in  a  protracted  meeting 
which  was  crowned  with  the  blessing  of  the  Lord.  Also 
in  the  same  month  Mr.  W.  had  business  connected  with 
the  Black  River  Association,  which  called  him  down  to 
Massena,  St.  Lawrence  County.  On  his  return  he  stopped 
at  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor's,  in  Norfolk,  and  as  his  usual 
manner  was  to  pray  and  converse  with  every  member  of 
the  family  on  the  subject  of  the  soul's  salvation,  he  found 
much  tenderness  of  feeling  on  the  subject.  Brother  Tay- 
lor requested  him  to  come  to  Norfolk  and  hold  a  meet- 
ing; he  replied,  if  his  people  would  give  their  consent. 
Brother  Taylor  immediately  wrote  a  letter  to  the  church 
desiring  it,  for  Christ's  sake  to  consent  to  his  coming  to 
Norfolk  and  labor  for  the  good  of  that  people.  The 
church  were  unanimous  in  letting  him  go  for  a  short  time. 
During  this  trip  he  writes  as  follows : 

Richville,  February  13th,  1841. 

My  Kind  Affectionate  and  Dear  Wife: 

I  have  looked  for  a  letter  from  you  every  mail  to 
inform  me  of  the  welfare  of  my  dear  children  and  the 
rest  of  the  family.  Your  letter  almost  unmanned  me 
when    you    told   me   of    the   sickness   of  my   youngest 

80 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  81 

child,  as  well  as  the  others  and  the  care  they  must  be.  I 
felt  that  I  could  not  stay  away  from  home  another  hour, 
were  it  not  for  the  greater  good  of  the  cause  of  Christ  I 
often  feel  how  pleasant  it  would  be  if  I  could  spend  my 
days  and  much  of  my  time  in  the  bosom  of  my  dear  fam- 
ily, and  with  them  serve  God,  and  with  them  meet  around 
the  domestic  circle  in  serving  the  blessed  Savior.  How 
few  there  are  that  know  the  trials  of  a  minister's  family. 
The  professional  man,  the  merchant,  the  mechanic  and 
the  farmer,  may  enjoy  the  delightful  time  of  spending  the 
morning  and  evening  in  the  pleasures  of  home  and  his 
dearest  friend.  But  not  so  with  the  ambassadors  of  Jesus. 
But  be  still  my  treacherous  heart,  we  shall  one  day  meet 
where  parting  never  comes.  In  the  midst  of  all  this, 
there  is  a  sweet  and  pleasant  thought  that  we  may  serve 
and  honor  God  in  his  glorious  cause  and  lead  souls  to 
Christ,  for  whom  Christ  died  and  Jesus  bled.  And  let  us 
make  up  of  the  suffering  of  Christ  which  are  behind.  I 
suppose  you  will  want  to  know  of  the  battle.  The  first 
Sabbath  the  Baptist  house  was  thronged  to  overflowing, 
since  that  we  have  had  a  pretty  fair  congregation  day  and 
night.  God's  spirit  has  moved  among  the  people;  several 
backsliders  have  been  reclaimed,  and  from  fifteen  to 
twenty,  or  perhaps  more  sinners  have  been  converted, 
some  of  them  very  clear  cases.  There  are  from  twenty 
to  fifty  on  the  anxious  seat,  and  many  who  last  winter 
were  very  violent  in  their  opposition,  now  are  quite  seri- 
ous. Some  who  state  publicly  that  they  were  Univer- 
salists,  have  risen  for,  and  some  have  come  forward  for 
prayers,  and  have  been  on  their  knees.  There  have  been 
some  converted  from  Gouverneur  DeKalb  and  Hermon 
and  the  whole  region  seems  to  be  under  the  moving  of  the 


82  LIFE  AND  LETTERS 

Holy  Ghost.  Brother  DeKalb  closed  his  school,  his 
scholars  nearly  all  left  him.  And  such  is  the  state  of 
things  here  that  I  have  felt  that  it  was  a  plain  case  of 
duty  for  me  to  stay  over  the  Sabbath,  and  it  is  thought 
by  all  of  us  that  Brother  Cook  nor  Cross  can  be  spared, 
as  the  Sabbath  will  be  an  important  day  and  we  want  an 
anxious  meeting  in  one  house  and  preaching  in  the  other. 
I  shall,  therefore,  send  a  messenger  this  morning  to  Bro. 
S.  and  request  him  to  preach  in  Antwerp  on  the  Sabbath. 
If  he  should  come,  you  may  have  a  part  of  this  letter 
read  to  the  church.  Tell  Bro.  B.  to  come  here  and  bring 
his  family.  The  mail  has  come  and  I  must  stop.  Dear 
wife  if  you  can  leave  home,  do  come  and  help.  Love 
to  all. 

As  ever  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WTCKES. 


RlCHVILLE,  Feb.  2 1  St,  1 841. 

Dear  Wife: 

The  stage  has  got  the  start  of  me.  The  state  of 
things  here  are  such  that  it  is  thought  best  to  hold  on 
over  the  Sabbath,  and  to  make  a  little  longer  effort  to 
save  souls.  The  Lord  is  in  our  midst,  to  Him  be  all  the 
glory  and  honor.  Pray  that  our  weak  and  almost  ex- 
hausted strength,  may  be  sustained  through  this  conflict, 
we  need  all  that  we  can  command  on  the  Sabbath.  I 
have  thought,  therefore,  that  I  should  leave  the  church  at 
A.  destitute.  I  do  very  much  regret  to  do  so,  but  such 
seems  to  be  the  state  of  things  that  I  cannot  see  how 
it  can  be  otherwise.     I  wish  there  may  be  a  sermon  read 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  83 

from  Dr.  E.  or  C.  G.  F.,  and  that  the  church  keep  up 
their  meetings  and  have  notice  given  that  that  the  Lord's 
Supper  will  be  administered  in  two  weeks.  We  shall 
probably  be  home  on  Tuesday  or  Wednesday  evening  of 
next  week.  I  have  not  time  to  write  more.  I  will  bring 
all  the  news  when  I  come  from  the  battle.     Pray  for  us. 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


This  was  the  commencement  of  a  most  blessed  work 

This  was  just  0f  the  Holy  Spirit  throughout  that  favored 
before  he   com-  .  r  ,     .         _         T 

menced  his  la-  region  of    country,  particularly    St.    Law- 

borsasanEvan-  rence  County, 
gelist. 

Returning,  as  he  expected,  he  writes  from   his  home 

to  the  pastor  at  Richville : 

Antwerp,  March  4th,  1841. 
Dear  Brother  Cross: 

Providence  permitting,  I    will    be  at   your  house  on 

„  ,         .       Tuesday  evening  to  go   on  to  Massena    the 
Before  going  J  .         . 

to  Nortolk.  next  day,  if  the  going  is  any  way  passable. 
I  want  you  should  be  ready  to  go  on  that  morning. 
Owing  to  my  church  affairs  I  shall  not  be  able  to  start 
before  four  o'clock  on  Tuesday  afternoon,  so  that  I  may 
not  be  able  to  get  to  your  place  before  half-past  six  or 
seven  o'clock.  If  you  think  best  under  these  circum- 
stances to  appoint  a  meeting  on  that  evening,  you  can, 
and  Providence  permitting  I  will  be  there.  If,  however, 
the  going  should  break  up  so  that  it  would  be  imprudent, 
our  journey  will  be  postponed  until  after  the  ground  settles, 


84  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

and  in  that  case  you  need  not  look  for  me.  There  has  noth- 
ing special  taken  place  since  I  saw  you.  I  have  preached 
two  funeral  sermons  since  I  returned  home  from  Masse- 
na,  one  on  a  child  of  nine  months,  and  the  other  on  Mrs. 
Blanchard,  of  Philadelphia.  The  last  I  preached  on  the 
Sabbath,  and  another  funeral  which  I  had  to  send  Broth- 
er Cook  to  supply.  How  great  the  contrast  between  the 
salvation  of  the  sinner  and  the  burying  of  the  dead. 
What  a  man  of  God  a  minister  ought  to  be,  to  weep 
with  those  that  weep  and  rejoice  with  those  who  do  re- 
joice;  one  day  to  rejoice  with  friends  over  the  repentance 
of  a  friend,  and  the  next  day  to  mourn  with  others 
over  the  loss  of  a  friend.  May  God  give  grace  and  qual- 
ify us  for  all  the  great  duties  which  are  devolving  upon 
us.  Say  to  all,  "  Remember  Lot's  wife." 
Love  to  Mrs.  Cross. 

In  haste,  your  brother, 

Rev. G.Cross.  L.  A.  WICKES. 


The  following  letter  explains  how  soon  and  where  his 
next  labors  commenced  : 

Norfolk,  March  12th,  1841. 
To  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Antwerp,  Greeting: 
Dear  Brethren  :     In   the  providence  of  God  we 
The  first  call  to   are  disappointed  in  regard  to  the  expected 

labor  as  an  Evan-  .  -  _.  T     _^        ,        .    .  .  . 

gelist  in  St.  Law-  assistance  of  Rev.  J .  Burchard  in  making 
rence  Co.  special  efforts  to  revive  religion  among  us. 
We  had  concluded  to  throw  ourselves  upon  the  Lord, 
and  go  forward  trusting  to  him  to  furnish  such  assistance 
as  he  saw  best.     In  this  state  of  deep  anxiety  we  had 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  85 

the  happiness  to  greet  Brother  Wickes  at  our  own  door 
It  looked  like  a  particular  interposition  of  Providence.  It 
occasioned  the  springing  up  of  relief  and  joy  in  our 
bosom.  I  now  write  to  beg  you  to  permit  him  to  come 
and  spend  two  or  three  weeks  with  us  in  a  protracted 
meeting.  I  have  no  doubt  he  will  be  the  instrument  of 
the  conversion  of  many  souls  here  at  this  time.  I  am 
asking  you  to  make  a  sacrifice,  dear  brethren,  but  I  think 
I  am  asking  it  for  the  Lord's  sake  and  for  the  sake  of 
souls.  Will  you  not  throw  yourselves  upon  the  promise, 
"  He  that  watereth  shall  be  watered  also  himself,"  and  let 
your  Minister  come,  and  pray  for  the  success  of  his  labors 
while  here?  I  am  confident  that  we  shall  not  ask  you  to 
make  any  pecuniary  sacrifice.  He  is  waiting  and  I  have 
time  to  say  no  more,  only  to  beg  you  to  hear  our  cry  and 
suffer  your  Minister  to  come  over  and  help  us. 

With  Christian  affection, 

A.  TAYLOR. 


Norfolk,  March  22d,  1841. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

I  have  looked  for  a  letter  from  you  every  day  since  last 
Friday,  and  as  yet  I  have  not  yet  heard  a  word  from  you. 
I  have  felt  very  anxious  about  the  people  on  the  Sabbath, 
but  heard  nothing  from  you  for  which  reason  I  did  not 
know  what  to  do.  I  felt  somehow  as  though  you  would 
be  supplied  on  the  Sabbath,  and  here  it  was  thought  that 
it  would  be  impossible  for  any  one  to  get  there  from  here, 
and  indeed  there  was  no  one  but  Brother  Taylor  that  I 
could  send,  and  the  state  of  feeling  was  such  that  I 
thought  it  was  imprudent  for  him  to  leave.     Though  if  I 


86  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

had  known  that  Brother  Cook,  or  some  other  had  not 
expected  to  be  there  in  season,  I  would  have  made  other 
arrangements.  But  it  is  past,  and  I  wish  you  would 
write  immediately  and  let  me  know  whether  the  pulpit 
was  supplied,  and  if  you  have  heard  from  Brother  Cook. 
Or  if  you  know  of  an)'  arrangements  which  will  cause  it 
to  be  supplied,  I  wish  you  to  write  immediately  on  the 
reception  of  this.  Things  are  very  interesting  here.  The 
whole  community  is  on  the  move,  there  have  been  fifteen 
or  more  hopeful  conversions ;  last  evening  there  was  a 
large  number  of  persons  rose  for  prayers.  But  the  church 
do  not  move  much,  there  are  a  few  who  do  get  hold  a 
little,  and  the  spirit  of  God  seems  to  move  all  around. 
Brother  Taylor's  son  and  daughter  are  among  the  sub- 
jects of  the  work,  and  Brother  Taylor's  house  seems  to 
be  a  Bethel  for  the  Lord  to  bless  the  souls  of  men.  Some 
families  are  on  the  altar  ready  to  work  for  God,  yet  others 
are  standing  back.  If  the  church  will  only  get  out  of 
the  way  I  feel  we  shall  have  a  work  here,  that  I  have  not 
witnessed  for  years.  Truly,  the  harvest  is  ripe  and  noth- 
ing to  hinder.  May  God  grant  that  it  may  be  a  work  of 
his  own  glory  and  power.  Do  pray  for  us.  There  are 
some  that  feel  for  souls  here,  but  I  do  believe  it  is  Zion's 
praying  in  other  places  that  does  prevail  in  this  great 
victory.  It  is  time  for  meeting,  I  must  close.  Tell  all  to 
pray.     My  health  is  better  than  when  I  left  home.     Bless 

the  Lord. 

As  ever,  your  husband  and  father, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Norfolk,  March  27th,  1841. 
Dear  Wife  : 

If  I  have  one,  for  I  most  begin   to   think   that   some- 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  87 

thing  has  taken  place.  I  have  been  forgotten,  «t  least,  for 
I  have  looked  for  a  letter  from  you  for  some  days,  or 
looked  for  you  and  seen  nothing  as  yet.  What  is  the 
matter?  Do,  I  beg  of  you,  write  soon,  for  I  feel  very 
anxious  to  know  whether  Brother  Cook  has  arrived  at 
Antwerp,  or  whether  there  has  been  any  preaching  since 
I  left.  The  state  of  things  here  is  now  quite  interest- 
ing, and  the  whole  community  seems  to  be  on  the  move. 
The  cause  of  God  seems  to  be  gaining  ground,  and  many 
begin  to  be  taking  hold ;  I  cannot  say  now  how  many 
have  obtained  a  hope  as  yet,  but  there  have  been  some 
forty  or  fifty,  among  them  are  the  old  of  sixty  or  seventy 
years  down  to  the  youth,  some  heads  of  families,  and  the 
Spirit  of  God  seems  to  find  way  to  the  hardest  hearts, 
and  the  mouths  of  scoffers  seems  to  be  stopped.  And 
O,  what  a  host  of  "  old  hopers "  and  "  backsliders  "  have 
been  dug  out!  .  We  have  two  meetings  in  the  morning,  a 
prayer  meeting  and  anxious  meeting.  There  are  four 
Evangelical  denominations,  and  they  all  unite  in  the 
work  to  some  extent.  Last  evening  a  Universalist  wanted 
to  come  and  help,  but  he  was  seated  very  soon.  I  do 
believe  God  has  great  blessings  in  store  for  Norfolk  and 
the  region  around.  Do  pray  for  us.  Tell  the  dear 
brethren  of  the  church  I  will  be  home  as  soon  as  I  can 
see  it  is  duty  and  the  will  of  God.  God  is  hearing  their 
prayers  for  this  place.  O  may  the  Lord  have  mercy  on 
Antwerp  too.  Gen.  Blake  has  a  good  deal  of  feeling 
about  his  soul,  pray  for  him,  he  has  an  interesting  family. 
The  Lord  have  mercy  on  him.     I  must  close. 

In  haste,  your  affectionate, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


88  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

P.  S. — I  have  many  pressing  invitations  to  hold 
meetings.  How  much  work  to  be  done  in  the  vineyard 
of  the  Lord,  my  dear,  let  us  pray  that  God  would  direct. 
The  harvest  is  great,  the  laborers  few,  the  Lord  prospers 
the  obedient. 


Norfolk,  April  5,  1841. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife  : 

It  was  with  delight  that  I  heard  from  you,  I  can  assure 
you.  But  sorry  that  you  had  not  concluded  to  come.  I 
wish  you  could  be  here.  Be  careful  of  your  own  and  the 
children's  health,  and  do  all  of  you  pray  much  and  lie 
low  at  the  feet  of  Christ.  Oh  !  how  little  I  have  tried  to 
be  like  God  and  a  minister  of  the  Lord.  I  have  but  a 
moment  to  write,  and  I  suppose  you  would  like  to  know 
how  the  work  is  progressing. 

To  the  Church  I  would  say,  that  the  work  is  the  most 
powerful  of  anything  that  I  have  seen  for  years.  It 
takes  all,  from  the  aged  man  of  seventy  down  to  the 
child  of  eight  or  ten  years.  I  have  not  the  most  distant 
idea  of  the  number  of  hopeful  conversions — they  are  very 
numerous,  indeed.  Among  the  heads  of  families  that 
have  been  converted  is  Major  General  Blake,  and  truly  I 
never  saw  a  more  humble  and  devout  convert;  one 
of  his  aids,  Col.  Sackrider;  Mr.  B.,  the  deputy  sheriff; 
Mr.  A.,  the  supervisor  of  the  town,  and  a  host  of  others. 
Among  the  youth  I  know  not  how  many.  I  counted 
yesterday  in  the  choir  of  singers  twenty-five  who  have 
given  pleasing  evidence  of  conversion  since  the  meeting 
commenced,  and  scores  of  others.  Every  mouth  seems 
to  be  closed,  and  a  universal  solemnity  upon   the  whole 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  89 

community.  Saturday  evening  there  were  more  than  one 
hundred  and  fifty  forward  for  prayers,  and  more  than  sixty 
rose  with  a  determination  to  serve  the  Lord.  Amid  the 
mud  and  bad  roads  we  have  a  congregation  of  rising  of 
four  hundred  every  day,  and  the  number  seems  to  be  in- 
creasing constantly,  and  new  cases  of  conviction  and 
conversion  every  day  and  evening,  and  some  as  interest- 
ing cases  as  I  have  ever  known.  Yesterday  there  was  a 
congregation  of  between  seven  and  eight  hundred,  at  the 
least  calculation.  I  asked  for  an  expression  of  feeling 
and  desire  about  having  the  meeting  continued,  with  a 
pledge  that  they  would  do  all  in  their  power  to  help  forward 
the  work,  as  long  as  the  providence  of  God  should  point 
out  our  duty  to  continue;  and  to  attend  when  it  was 
possible,  and  when  it  was  not  possible  they  would  spend 
much  time  in  prayer,  and  would  work  and  do  all  they 
could,  and  there  were  as  many  as  six  hundred  rose  as 
one  man,  and  did  thus  covenant.  There  are  only  about 
two  thousand  inhabitants  in  the  town,  and  more  than 
one  quarter,  if  not  one-third,  have  been  under  the  mov- 
ings  of  the  Spirit  of  God.  How  could  I  do  less  than  go 
on  with  the  meeting  ?  Truly,  it  was  a  call  of  God,  and 
I  have  no  doubt  about  its  final  results  to  thus  obey  God. 
A  school  of  young  gentlemen  and  ladies  at  Lower  Nor- 
folk has  been  suspended  a  few  days.  The  feeling  was  so 
great,  and  some  eight  or  ten  have  bowed  to  the  sceptre  of 
a  Savior's  love,  and  others  are  under  veiy  serious  impres- 
sions. To  God  be  the  glory — to  Him  alone.  "  Bless  the 
Lord,  oh,  my  soul,  for  all  His  mighty  deeds  which  He  has 
wrought.  He  has  overthrown  the  horse  and  his  rider." 
And  let  everything  that  hath  breath,  praise  the  Lord.  I 
ask,  my  dear  family,  wife  and  sisters,  and  my  dear  church, 


90  LIFE   AXD   LETTERS  OF 

too,  is  it  not  evident  that  you  did  the  will  of  God  in  let- 
ting me  come.  "Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  the 
least  of  these,  My  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  Me,"  is 
the  language  of  our  blessed  Lord.  How  long  I  may 
continue  here  I  cannot  say.  You  may  be  led  to  ask,  has 
our  husband  and  minister  lost  all  affection  for  his  family 
and  the  people  of  his  charge  ?  No,  no  !  never  did  my 
family  and  my  dear  church  look  so  precious  to  me  as  at  the 
present, when  I  see  on  what  a  slender  point  hung  the  des- 
tiny of  so  many  souls  (I  mean  the  vote  of  the  church  in 
that  upper  room.)  It  makes  them  dearer  and  still  dearer 
to  my  heart.  When  I  have  seen  the  members  of  the 
choir  turning  to  God  I  have  thought  of  those  of  the 
choir  in  my  own  dear  church.  Oh,  remember  them  in 
prayer.  May  the  Lord  grant  they  may  chant  the  praises 
of  God  in  glory.  They  have  been  united  on  earth,  may 
they  be  in  glory,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of  their  minister. 
I  do  still  sincerely  ask  the  church  to  keep  their  hearts 
right,  and  still  pray  for  us  here,  for  I  have  felt  your  prayers 
much.  "Again  I  say,  pray  for  us."  In  your  letter  to  me 
you  did  not  say  whether  Brother  Cook  would  stay  until 
I  returned  or  not.  I  wish  you  would  let  me  know  all 
about  it.  I  do  earnestly  request  the  church  to  stay  up 
his  hands  and  let  his  soul  feel  that  the  church  are  labor- 
ing for  the  cause  and  with  him.  And  may  I  hear  of  the 
conversion  of  souls  among  you. 

So  much  of  this  sheet  as  relates  to  the  work  of  God 
here,  I  wish  to  be  read  to  the  church  if  I  am  not  home 
before  the  next  Sabbath. 

My  dear,  pray  much. 

Yonr  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  91 

Brother  Taylor's  family  all  send   love    to  you.     Write 
me  immediately,  if  you  please. 
To  Emma  and  Anna  : 

Dear  Sisters:  I  have  felt  very  solicitous  that  you 
should  live  for  God,  as  we  entered  into  our  mutual  cove- 
nant around  the  domestic  altar  that  we  would.  Do  not 
have  your  minds  taken  up  with  the  trash  of  earth.  Oh! 
I  wish  you  were  here  to  help  in  this  blessed  work  of  God, 
but  you  are  not  and  I  suppose  you  cannot  be.  But 
get  your  hearts  here,  and  by  an  eye  of  faith  see  us  at 
the  house  of  God.  Our  anxious  meetings  every  morning 
are  attended  by  some  hundreds,  Christians  and  all.  Now, 
do  spend  much  time  in  prayer  that  the  Lord  will  bless 
for  His  name's  sake.  Do  not  be  light  and  vain  in  all  your 
intercourse  with  others,  but  do  bear  the  marks  of  a 
Savior's  love  all  the  time.  Oh,  let  us  be  like  a  family  in 
heaven,  all  loving  God  and  each  other.  Let  us  pray 
much  for  each  other. 

Your  brother, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

AUFELIA  AND  EMMA : 

Your  Pa  thinks  much  about  you  and  as  we  do  not 
have  any  meeting  this  forenoon,  while  I  wrote  to  your 
dear  ma  and  aunts,  I  thought  I  would  like  to  have  you, 
one  on  one  knee  and  the  other  on  the  other  knee,  and 
sing,  "Salvation,  O,  the  joyful  sound."  But  you  are  not 
here,  so  I  will  just  say  a  few  words  to  you.  There  are  a 
good  many  little  girls  and  boys  here  that  when  they  come 
to  meeting  they  weep  and  cry  because  they  have  been 
such  wicked  children,  as  not  to  be  thankful  to  God  for 
all  his  kindness  to  them.     Now,   I  want  that  my  little 


92  LIFE   AXD  LETTERS  OK 

daughters  would  love  the  Lord,  and  pray  that  Jesus 
would  give  them  new  hearts,  indeed.  Little  Emma,  do 
learn  to  read  as  fast  as  you  can.  When  pa  comes  home 
he  wants  to  come  with  the  blessing  of  God,  which  he 
cannot  do  unless  the  Lord  says,  go  home.  When  this 
work  is  done  he  will  not  stay  long  here,  I  can  assure  you. 
Be  very  good  children,  and  make  your  ma  as  happy  as 
you  can.  Your  affectionate  father, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Norfolk,  April  ioth,  1841. 

My  Affectionate  Wife  : 

I  have  but  a  moment  to  write,  but  will  say  a  word.  I 
was  in  hopes  that  you  would  have  written  so  that  I  could 
have  heard  from  you  yesterday  so  that  I  could  have  had  a 
little  assistance  from  you  to  know  what  to  do, fori  know 
not  what  course  to  take  or  how  to  turn  for  the  glory  of 
God.  That  God  does  call  here  now  I  have  not  the  least 
doubt.  This  week  has  been  a  week  of  favor.  On  Thurs- 
day afternoon  I  preached  to  converts,  and  there  were  one 
hundred  and  seventy  that  gave  in  their  names  to  be 
admitted  into  some  church,  but  very  few  children  among 
them,  mostly  middle-age  and  aged.  Quite  a  large  num- 
ber of  heads  of  families.  The  evening  after,  there  were 
some  ten  or  fifteen  more  hopeful  conversions.  Yesterday 
several  more  of  prominent  cases,  so  that  we  can  safely 
put  the  number  rising  of  two  hundred,  who  mean  to 
serve  God  from  this  day  fortJi.  Truly,  what  has  God 
wrought,  to  Him  be  all  the  glory.  It  is  the  Lord's  doings 
and  wondrous  in  our  eyes.  Notwithstanding  the  mud 
and  "  sap  weather,"  we  have  a  congregation  of  about  four 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  93 

hundred  every  day.  Last  evening  there  were  about  fifty 
new  cases  on  the  anxious  seat,  most  of  them  had  not 
been  there  before.  I  can  see  no  place  to  close  the  meet- 
ing. I  have  preached  twice  every  day  since  I  have  been 
here,  besides  the  anxious  meeting  in  the  morning  and 
other  labors.  I  feel  somewhat  exhausted,  but  the  Lord 
is  my  strength.  Several  have  been  converted  in  Lower 
Norfolk.  The  church  got  together  and  voted  they  would 
do  any  thing  to  help  forward  the  work  if  I  would  come 
there  when  I  got  through  here,  and  about  sixty  impeni- 
tent rose  and  said  they  would  attend  the  meeting  and 
use  all  the  means,  if  I  would  come,  to  get  eternal  life. 
What  I  shall  do  I  cannot  say  until  I  hear  from  home.  I 
I  never  had  so  much  anxiety  about  my  family  and  church 
before.  But  I  do  know  if  they  will  serve  the  Lord  he 
will  take  care  of  them  and  bless  them.  I  wish  the  church 
and  society  would  pass  a  vote  something  like  this :  That 
so  long  as  the  Lord  seemed  to  say  so  plainly  it  is  my 
duty  to  labor  here,  they  do  cheerfully  say  "  stay,"  and  will 
continue  praying.  If  they  will  send  me  a  copy  of  it  by 
the  earliest  mail  from  the  clerk  of  the  society,  then  I 
should  feel  to  leave  them  in  the  hands  of  God  longer. 
But  I  must  close,  may  the  Lord  direct  and  bless  you.  Do 
continue  to  pray  much  for  us. 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


I  know  not  how  long  I  may  stay  here,  but  I  shall, 
God  willing,  be  home  on  the  first  Sabbath  in  May,  if  not 
before,  may  the  Lord  direct.     I  do  feel  grateful   that    the 


94  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

Extract    church  were  inclined  to  say,  "  stay  there,  and  we 
from     wjjj  pray  for  you."    I  feel  that  God  will  bless  them, 

another  .  > 

letter,  and  make  His  face  to  shine  upon  them.  Since  I 
last  wrote  you,  the  work  has  not  abated  at  all.  New  cases 
of  conviction  and  conversion  every  day.  Some  men  have 
been  brought  to  the  Lord,  who  have  not  attended  meeting 
before  for  ten  or  fifteen  years.  The  infidels  and  the  Univer- 
salists  have  been  compelled  to  bow  before  the  Lord.  One 
man,  a  trustee  in  the  Universalist  Society  in  M.  came  out 
and  advised  all  to  forsake  it,  for  he  dare  no  longer  build 
upon  it,  and  would  no  longer  stay  from  Christ ;  and  another 
man,  that  was  the  leader  of  the  Universalist  Society  in 
the  same  place,  has  come  out  and  renounced  his  errors, 
and  truly,  he  appears  to  be  a  regenerated  man  as  well  as 
a  converted  man.  Both  of  them  have  been  in  my  room 
and  poured  out  their  hearts  to  my  Savior  in  prayer,  and 
both  set  up  the  family  altar.  May  God  make  them  emi- 
nently useful  to  their  deluded  brethren  in  sin.  I  cannot 
say  how  many  have  been  brought  to  Christ  since  my  last, 
but  I  think  I  speak  within  bounds  when  I  say  one 
hundred.  To-morrow  I  preach  to  the  converts  again,  God 
willing.  Truly,  what  hath  God  wrought!  To  Him  be 
all  the  glory  and  honor.  I  can  speak  within  bounds  when 
I  say  there  have  been  fifty,  if  not  seventy-five  family 
altars  erected  in  this  community  since  this  meeting  com- 
menced. Last  evening  there  were  rising  of  fifty  on  the 
anxious  seat,  all  new  cases,  some  twenty  of  whom  vowed 
to  serve  the  Lord.  The  bell  has  called  for  meeting  and  I 
must  close.     Love  to  all. 

Pray  for  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Revival  meeting  at  Massena — Removal  of  Fam- 
ily to  Stow's  Square. 

Massena,  April  22,  1841. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife; 

OU  will  perceive  by  this  that  I  have  removed  my 
quarters  a  little  farther  North,  so  far  as  to  get  to 
brother  Northrup's.  I  closed  at  Norfolk  last  Sab- 
bath, and  preached  to  those  who  had  been  converted  ;  after 
I  preached  to  the  converts  before,  and  there  were  seventy 
took  their  seats  together,  and  there  were  something  like 
fifty  individuals  that  we  knew  of  who  where  not  pres- 
ent. There  were,  during  that  meeting,  something  over 
two  hundred  and  forty  that  gave  in  their  names  to  unite 
with  the  different  churches.  It  was  only  by  the  earnest 
entreaty  of  saints  and  sinners  that  I  came  to  this  town. 
I  have  spent  two  days  in  the  center  of  the  town  in  clos- 
ing up  the  meeting  at  Norfolk.  Brother  Northrup  had 
been  holding  evening  meetings,  and  at  the  close  of  the 
meeting  yesterday  there  were  forty-five  expressed  hope 
in  the  Lord  Jesus.  Things  were  very  encouraging.  I 
came  here  to  the  village  last  evening  and  preached  my 
first  sermon.  I  cannot  say  how  long  I  shall  be  here;  I 
think  I  shall  be  here  but  a  few  days.  We  have  no  place 
but  a  large  school-house  to  hold  the  meetings  in.  The 
95 


96  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

Baptists,  or  rather  the  supporters  of  Kent,  will  not  let  us 
have  the  meeting-house  here,  and  the  school-house  was 
almost  full  last  evening.  Nothing  but  the  most  plain 
and' positive  sense  of  duty  will  keep  me  away  from  home 
a  single  day.  The  work  in  Norfolk  has  affected  this 
place  very  much,  indeed,  and  the  wicked  are  beginning  to 
feel  the  importance  of  becoming  Christians  in  a  small 
degree.  To-day  I  am  left  alone,  as  Bro.  N.  goes  to  preach 
a  funeral  sermon  some  six  miles  off.  What  to  expect 
here  I  cannot  say.  I  hope  for  the  best.  Christians  are 
praying  for  this  place  in  all  directions  around.  I  hope  for 
a  general  breaking  up  and  to  have  it  a  short  work.  May 
God  hasten  it.  I  think  now  I  shall  be  home  a  week  from 
next  Sabbath,  if  the  Lord  will.  But  for  fear  I  shall  not, 
I  think  the  Lord's  Supper  and  the  preparatory  lecture 
had  best  be  put  off  until  the  second  Sabbath  in  Maw 
when,  the  Lord  willing,  I  will  again  meet  the  people  in 
Antwerp.  But  the  indications  of  the  Spirit  of  God  and 
His  providence  are  such  that  I  cannot  for  a  moment  say 
it  is  not  my  duty  to  spend  a  few  days  here.  I  have  not 
time  to  write  more  now.  Pray  for  us  here,  and  especially 
for  me.  Let  Brother  Cook  give  the  notice  about  the 
Lord's  Supper.     Pray  much  for  me. 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


MASSENA,  May  3,  1 84 1,       j 
In  contemplation  of  May  3.  \ 

To  Aurelia  E.  WlCKES; 

My  Affectionate  Daughter:     This  day  you  know  is 
your  birthday,  and  your  papa  has  been    for    some  weeks 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  97 

anticipating  spending  this  day  with  you  at  home.  But 
the  providence  of  God  is  so  ordered  that  he  will  be  de- 
prived of  that  privilege,  so  I  thought  I  would  talk  with 
you  on  a  piece  of  paper  with  my  pen.  You  know  that 
talking  is  telling  one  another  every  thought.  And  al- 
though I  cannot  make  you  hear  my  voice,  yet  I  can  write 
it  on  paper,  and  you  and  your  dear  ma  can  read  it,  and 
then  you  will  know  my  thoughts  just  as  well  as  if  you 
heard  my  voice,  and  I  had  you  on  one  knee  and  your  sis- 
ter Emma  on  the  other.  I  have  got  this  sheet  of  paper 
from  Mr.  Northrup  to  write  this  to  you  because  I  am  a 
friend  to  the  slave,  and  because  my  little  daughter  is  also 
The  paper  a  friend  to  them,  and  so  everybody  says  they  are 
picture2 ^ 0f friends,  too,  but  there  are  a  good  many  that  say 
a  black  they  are  friends  that  take  and  chain  him,  just  as 
Chains' on  >'OL1    see    tnat    man    in   the  picture,    because    he 

his  hands  wants  to  go  where  he  can  take  care  of  his  children, 
and  feet,  .  ,  . 

and  the    Now,  do    you    think    he    can  be  a    friend.''    And 

words     \VOUld  you  want  such  friends  :     Would   you  not 

"Am  I  not  J 

a  man  and  think  that  person    would  be  the  the  best    friend 
abrother    wj1Q  would  cut  off  his  chains  and  take  him  away 

pnnted  J 

around  it.  from  such  a  hard  master  ?     The  stage  has  gone 
out  and  so  I   cannot  send  it  now. 

May  3. — To-day  is  your  birthday.  You  are  now  seven 
years  old.  O,  how  fast  time  does  go,  and  my  daughter, 
I  had  another  thought  about  slavery;  and  it  is  that  all 
people  are  sinners  and  the  slave  master  is  the  devil,  and 
he  was  expecting  to  get  them  all  in  his  own  prison  house 
of  despair,  and  then  to  torment  them  forever.  Rut  the 
Savior  came  and  died  that  we  might  be  liberated  from 
his  iron  grasp,  and  cut  off  the  chains  of  sin  and  made  us 
all  free,  and    so  no   longer  to   be   slaves.     Now,  when  a 


98  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Saviour  has  done  so  much,  should  you  not  love  him  and 
be  very  good,  and  love  to  pray  to  him,  and  to  get  others 
to  love  him,  too.  You  are  now  so  old,  my  dear,  that  you 
must  serve  the  Lord  and  obey  Him.  You  have  been 
taught  to  say  your  prayers  by  your  dear  mama;  but 
that  is  not  enough.  You  must  feel  in  your  heart  to 
pray  to  that  Saviour,  and  love  to  pray  to  him,  for  he  is 
oily  the  one  you  should  love.  I  have  seen  a  good  many 
little  boys  and  girls  who  have,  I  hope,  given  their  hearts 
to  God  and  are  serving  him,  and  I  want  when  pa  comes 
home  that  you  will  have  the  same  good  news  to  tell  your 
dear  father. 

I  am  now  on  the  Racket  and  Grass  rivers ;  that  is 
between  and  within  two  miles  of  the  St.  Lawrence  river. 
(They  call  the  St.  Lawrence  here  "  the  big  river.")  There 
are  some  very  pleasant  places  around  here,  and  I  have 
wished  you  were  here  with  pa,  too,  and  so  also  your 
mother  and  sister.  But  you  cannot  come  until  your  pa 
comes  after  you,  and  he  thinks  now  he  will  before  next 
Sabbath,  and  see  you  all.  I  feel  that  it  has  been  a  great 
while  since  I  saw  you,  and  how  should  we  feel  if  we  never 
should  meet  again  in  this  world.  May  the  Lord  grant 
that  we  may  meet.  But  how  much  more  deadful  the 
thought  if  we  should  not  meet  in  the  world  above,  and 
may  we  so  serve  the  Savior  that  we  may  love  to  meet 
that  Redeemer  in  Heaven.  See  how  good  a  girl  you 
can  be,  and  how  happy  make  your  mother  and  sister. 
and  when  you  see  everybody  happy  because  you  do  good, 
then  you  will  be  happy  yourself.  I  have  found  a  little 
prayer  here  which  I  thought  you  would  love  to  learn  by 
heart : 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  99 

"  My  father's  gone  away, 
I  wish  he  would  come  home, 
I  do  not  like  to  have  him  stay 
Where  I  can't  see  him  every  day — 
Ma,  when  will  father  come  ? 

"  He  told  me  I  must  pray 

To  God,  with  love  sincere  ; 

But  I  do,  I  always  say, 

Please  bring  my  father  home  to-day, 

And  keep  him  safely  here." 

But  I  cannot  write  any  more  now,  I  must  bid  you 
farewell  for  the  present.  Pray  for  yourself  and  for  your 
dear  father. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

Massexa.  May  8th,  1841. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

You  see  I  am  here  yet,  when  I  had  anticipated  being 
with  my  dear  family.  But  God's  ways  are  not  our  ways, 
and  our  thoughts  are  not  as  His  thoughts.  As  I  said, 
on  Wednesday  I  preached  to  the  converts.  When  ris- 
ing of  one  hundred  and  twenty,  gave  in  their  names  to 
unite  with  some  of  the  churches  in  this  place.  The 
people  begged  so  hard  for  me  to  stay  a  few  days  longer, 
that  I  finally  concluded  to  stay  until  after  the  Sabbath, 
when  God  willing,  I  shall  start  for  Antwerp.  I  wrote 
to  Brother  Cross  to  go  to  A.  and  administer  the  Lord's 
Supper  if  I  did  not  get  to  his  house  by  noon  on  Satur- 
day, and  expecting  he  would  do  it,  I  felt  it  would  be 
wrong  for  me  to  leave.  Since  Thursday,  there  have  been 
some  twenty  or  thirty  hopeful  conversions.  The  work 
is  among  all  ranks,  and  classes.     And  God    has    got    to 


100  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Himself  a  great  and  glorious  name.  Some  of  the 
wealthiest  men  and  their  families  have  been  subjects  of 
the  work.  I  have  not  time  to  say  more  as  I  expect  the 
mail  every  moment.  I  have  many  things  to  say  when  I 
see  you.  Still  pray  for  your  own  dear  husband.  I  shall, 
God  willing,  start  for  home  on  Monday  or  Tuesday.  I 
have  never  felt  more  clear  than  I  have  since  I  left  home 
that  I  am  doing  the  will  of  God,  and  I  feel  to  lay  myself 
and  family  in  the  hands  of  God,  and  let  Him  do  as  He 
pleases,  He  will  direct.    In  haste,  but  in  love. 

As  ever,  your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 
Mr.  W.  from  this  time  began  to   feel    it    his    duty   to 
labor  as  an   Evangelist. 


In  June,  i84i,Mr.  Wickes,  accompanied  by  his  wife 
went  to  Potsdam  and  held  a  very  successful  meeting,  at 
the  close  of  which  he  received  the  following  from  the 
students  of  the  academy  : 

Accompanied  with  the  prayers  of  his  Christian  friends 
in  the  academy,  Mr.  Wickes  will  have  the  kindness  to 
accept  the  enclosed ;  begging,  at  the  same  time,  to  be 
remembered  as  in  his  intercessions  at  the  throne  of  grace, 
and  especially  that  those  of  our  number,  whose  hearts 
are  not  rich  towards  God,  may  never  be  forgotten. 
Yours,  dear  sir,  very  respectfully, 

STUDENTS. 
Saturday,  June  26th,  1841. 

$20.00  was  the  enclosed. 
The  result  of  the  meeting  was  given  in  a  letter  from 
Miss  Lydia  Raymond. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  101 

At  Potsdam,  June,  1841,  a  meeting  was  held,  and 
very  successful,  after  which  sixty-eight  united  with  the 
Presbyterians;  fifty  united  with  the  Episcopalians;  fifty 
united  with  the  Methodists. 

An  extract  from  a  letter,  by  Miss  L.  R.,  gives  this 
result : 

Antwerp,  July  2nd,  1841. 

Dear  Parents  and  Friends: 

You  will  perceive  by  this  that  we  have  returned  to 
our  home  again  in  good  health  and  strength  as  can  be 
expected.  I  have  but  a  moment  to  write,  and  should 
not  say  much.  But  the  Lord  willing,  we  shall  see  you 
face  to  face  on  Monday,  and  if  you  choose,  and  it  is 
thought  advisable,  I  will  preach  there  in  the  afternoon, 
say  half-past  five  or  six  o'clock.  But  if  you  think  it  not  best, 
you  need  not  give  the  notice.  It  may  be  perhaps,  news 
to  you  and  unexpected,  when  I  tell  you  that  we  have 
concluded  to  occupy  another  field  of  labor  for  a  while,  I 
just  mention  it,  that  you  may  think  about  it  some  before 
we  get  to  your  place.  I  have  invitations  to  hold  meet- 
ings which  will  take  at  least  six  months,  if  not  a  year  to 
comply  with,  and  it  is  a  most  effectual  door  for  doing 
good  in  the  cause  of  God.  I  have  a  meeting  to  commence 
on  Thursday,  the  8th  inst.,  at  the  village  of  Canton,  the 
Shire  Town  of  the  county.  It  is  a  hard  place,  and  I 
know  a  great  responsibility  rests  upon  me,  and  may  I 
rely  upon  the  Lord's  strong  and  mighty  hand.  Now,  we 
have  thought  a  good  many  things  about  what  to  do 
with  our  affairs,  and  one  thought  which  we  have  had,  is 
to  move  them  for  the  present,  and  wife  and  the  children 
spend  their  time  there  while  I  may   be  off  in    St.    Law- 


102  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

rence  Count}-.  I  just  mention  it,  that  you  may  think 
about  it  and  be  ready  to  give  us  your  advice.  When  I 
see  you  I  will  tell  you  more  about  things. 

Affectionately  your  son, 
For  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  Wilcox:  L.  A.  WICKES. 

During  the  months  of  June  and  August,  1841,  Mr. 
Wickes  held  a  meeting  at  Potsdam,  which  resulted  in  a 
glorious  work  of  grace  which  was  the  occasion  of  the 
change  in  the  above  letter.  Mrs.  W.  accompanied  him 
to  Potsdam. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

MEETING  AT  CANTON  AND  WADDINGTON. 

Canton,  July  3d,  1841. 
Dear  Brother: 

'iPh  OUR  church  have  concluded  to  hold  a  protracted 
)j!fS^  meeting,  provided  they  can  obtain  your  assistance. 
>K^%j  There  were  some  when  the  question  was  submitted 
to  the  church,  who  were  in  favor  of  having  the  meeting  de- 
ferred until  after  the  hurry  of  the  season  was  over.  It  was, 
however,  concluded  on  the  whole  to  commence  at  once,  as 
soon  as  the  necessary  assistance  could  beprocurred.  All, 
I  believe,  were  in  favor  of  having  you  come.  I  have 
just  taken  your  letter  from  the  post-office,  and  find  that 
you  have  concluded  to  come  and  commence  on  Thurs- 
day, the  8th  inst.  The  appointment  will  be  made  on 
that  day  for  an  evening  service,  and  we  shall  expect  you 
here.  Opposition  to  this  meeting  is  strong  and  power- 
ful. There  are  many  adversaries.  I  have  given  it  all  up 
into  the  hands  of  the  Almighty,  my  only  desire  is  to  do 
right  myself,  and  have  the  church  do  the  same.  "  In  the 
path  of  duty  is  safety."  In  undertaking  this  meeting  at 
this  season  of  the  year,  and  in  view  of  the  hosts  of  the 
103 


104  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

ungodly  around,  I  feel  that  we  need  much  of  God's 
presence.  We  must  have  his  powerful  arm  revealed  or 
all  is  lost.  May  God's  gracious  Spirit  descend  with 
mighty  power.     Love  to  you  and  yours. 

Your  brother  in  Christ, 

R.  PETTIBONE. 


Norfolk,  July  9th,  1841. 

Dear  Brother  Wickes: 

It  has  become  my  painful  duty  to  announce  to  you 
that  our  dear  "Brother  Adolphus  is  gone  to  his  rest,  and 
a  unanimous  request  of  his  friends  is  that  you  come  and 
preach  his  funeral  sermon  to-morrow  1  Saturday,)  at  two 
o'clock  P.  M.  Whether  it  is  consistent  with  duty  for  you 
to  come,  we  submit  to  you,  and  our  brethren  in  Canton 
to  decide,  come  if  duty  will  permit.  Otherwise  it  is  our 
request  that  Brother  Pettibone  come  and  preach  the  ser- 
mon. Brother  Pettibone  is  earnestly  requested  to  attend 
the  funeral  at  all  events,  and  spend  the  Sabbath  with  us 
if  he  can. 

Your  brother  in  the  gospel, 

J.  B.  TAYLOR. 


Canton,  July  nth,  1841. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife; 

I  have  not  had   a  moment's  time  since   I   have  been 
here  that  I  could  get  to  write  to  you.     I    never    left    my 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  105 

family  with  so  heavy  a  heart  as  when  I  parted  from  the 
Square.  I  found  that  if  I  stopped  to  say  good-bye,  I 
should  only  make  you  mourn  and  feel  more  and  still  more 
sorrowful.  I  therefore  started  off  without  ceremony  or 
compliments.  When  I  got  to  Antwerp,  and  then  bid 
them  farewell,  I  felt  again  a  heavy  load.  When  I  saw 
the  last  articles  put  up  for  departure,  I  felt,  indeed  it  was 
a  heavy  load.  When  I  heard  of  W.  setting  his  house  on 
fire,  and  his  leaving  his  family,  and  see  how  fast  the  steps 
of  wickedness  were  rolling  before  that  people,  then  again 
my  spirit  was  oppressed.  When  Bro.  L.  came  to  leave 
me  and  start  away  with  my  horse  and  wagon,  and  think 
that  all  I  had  was  now  leaving  me,  I  inquired  for  a  room 
and  there  went  and  gave  vent  to  my  full  heart.  Ten 
thousand  scenes  of  the  future  danced  before  my  vision, 
and  I  could  see  you  in  all  circumstances  but  that  of  hap- 
piness. But  I  found  I  was  giving  away  to  sorrow,  that 
would  lead  me  to  murmur  against  the  leadings  of  the 
Lord.  I  felt  that  God  had  made  it  my  duty  to  take 
care  of  my  family,  and  my  family  could  not  be  with  me, 
therefore  it  was  my  duty  to  be  with  them,  and  that  I 
had  decided  wrong,  and  I  should  lament  it  when  too 
late.  The  responsibility  of  this  meeting  rolled  upon 
me,  and  I  felt  I  was  truly  a  vile  and  most  sinful  worm. 
But  on  Friday  afternoon,  I  had  a  still  heavier  trial  than 
all  before.  I  received  two  letters  from  Norfolk,  request- 
ing me  to  preach  the  funeral  sermon  of  our  esteemed 
and  dear  Brother  Taylor,  the  minister  of  that  place.  Yes, 
that  dear  brother  is  no  more !  I  went  and  preached  on 
Saturday  afternoon  at  two  o'clock,  to  a  crowded  house, 
and  an  afflicted  family  and  church,  but  my  feelings 
were  such  that  I  could  not  preach,  though  I  tried  to 
7 


106  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

from  Acts  II.  There  were  eleven  ministers  besides  my- 
self. Their  large  house  could  not  hold  the  people  that 
assembled.  He  died  from  the  kick  of  a  horse  which 
happened  about  eight  or  ten  days  before  his  death.  He 
had  his  reason  until  the  last,  and  he  bid  all  his  friends 
farewell.  Oh,  how  short  and  uncertain  is  life.  There 
was  a  general  mourning  for  him.  The  choir  of  singers 
were  all  dressed  in  mourning.  The  ladies  with  white 
dresses,  black  belts,  and  black  scarfs  about  their  necks. 
Truly,  I  began  to  believe  what  you  told  me,  that  I  need 
not  lean  on  Brother  Taylor  or  any  other,  for  we  know 
not  what  the  Lord  would  do  with  man.  It  is  mysterious 
and  dark  !  Sisters  Taylor's  feelings  you  can  better  imag- 
ine, than  I  can  describe.  They  are  afflicted  in  very  deed, 
and  so  is  also  the  whole  county.  May  the  Lord  fill  up 
his  place,  and  his  mantle  fall  upon  someone.  It  is  a  les- 
son to  me,  to  "  be  ye  also  ready,"  for  in  a  day  and  in  an 
hour,  when  I  little  think  I  may  be  called.  Oh,  may  my 
work  be  done  and  well  done.  How  God  is  kindly  dealing 
with  us  as  a  family.  May  we  remember  the  blessing. 
and  acknowledge  him  in  all  our  ways.  What  that  dear 
people  will  do,  the  great  Shepherd  of  Israel  alone  knows. 
By  this  circumstance  there  is  a  gloom  over  all  the  churches. 
As  to  the  state  of  things  here.  On  Thursday  evening 
we  had  something  of  a  little  number  out.  I  preached 
from  "  Search  me,  Oh,  God,"  Ps.  109.  And  Friday  morn- 
ing there  were  quite  a  goodly  number  that  were  out,  and 
some  feeling,  and  so  in  the  afternoon  and  the  evening. 
Saturday  morning  there  were  some  who  professed  to 
have  given  themselves  to  the  Lord.  Among  them  was 
the  mother  of  the  Misses  E.,  whom  you  saw  at  Pots- 
dam. Saturday  afternoon  and  evening,  Brother  Pettibone 


LEWIS  ALFRED  W.ICKES.  107 

Subjects        preached,    while    I    was    at    Norfolk.     Yes- 
of  convicting    terday  we   had    a  crowded    house,    I    gave 

sermons.  them  Abraham  and  Eli  in  the  morning, 
in  the  afternoon,  John  6:44,  and  in  the  evening,  the 
Jailer  and  Felix.  God's  Spirit  is  evidently  hovering 
over  this  place.  Several  of  the  lawyers  were  yesterday 
melted  into  tears.  "  But  drops  of  tears  can  ne'er  repay, 
the  debt  of  love  I  owe."  I  pray  God,  they  may  be 
brought  at  the  feet  of  Christ,  and  be  men  of  usefulness 
and  piety.  The  church  has  got  a  little  started,  and 
some  of  them  get  hold  on  the  arm  of  the  Lord.  And 
I  am  of  the  opinion  there  will  be  more  moral  power 
here  in  the  church,  than  was  at  Potsdam,  and  when  they 
once  get  fully  marshalled,  the  work  of  the  Lord  will  move 
in  earnest.  I  find  many  of  the  impenitent  are  seriously 
enquiring  about  the  way  to  Zion.  Oh,  may  I  have  wis- 
dom to  lead  them  to  the  Lamb  of  God.  For  which  my 
dear  wife,  do  pray.  Observe  the  concert  regularly, 
between  seven  and  nine  in  the  evening,  for  the  descent  of 
the  Spirit  of  the  living  God.  I  wish  you  would  have  a 
season  of  prayer  as  often  as  you  can  in  the  family.  Try 
to  do  good,  all  that  is  in  your  power,  and  to  make  the 
family  holy  and  devoted.  This  evening,  the  church  came 
out  confessing  their  sins  and  promising  a  new  life  in  the 
service  of  God,  and  there  seemed  to  be  a  good  degree  of 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  Sinners  are  enquiring,  and  some 
from  the  most  respectable  parts  of  the  community.  O, 
for  the  faith  that  a  minister  of  Jesus  ought  to  have.  The 
wicked  are  doing  all  they  can  to  hinder  the  work  of  God. 
The  Universalist  minister  advised  his  squad  not  to  attend 
at  all.  For  he  said  he  "must  acknowledge  that  some 
had  been  what   they  call  converted,"  and    therefore,  their 


108  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

safe  way  was  to  stay  away  entirely.  But  they  are  diso- 
bedient, and  some  of  them  do  attend,  and  may  God  have 
mercy  on  them,  and  show  them  their  sins  and  transgres- 
sions You  may  be  surprised  to  hear  Bro.  B.  from  G.  is 
here,  to  get  me  to  hold  a  meeting  in  his  church.  What 
will  not  the  good  Lord  do,  if  we  will  only  trust  in  him. 
Brother  Pettibone  has  been  to-day,  to  preach  the 
funeral  sermon  of  a  young  woman  who  attended  the 
meeting  at  Potsdam  one  day  and  refused  to  have  Mrs. 
F.  request  prayers  for  her,  saying  she  had  no  great 
anxiety  about  herself.  She  went  out  to  bring  in  some 
cloth  from  the  line  in  her  usual  health,  and  dropped 
instantly  dead.  She  was  to  have  been  married  in  a  few 
weeks.  What  a  warning  to  all !  But  I  must  bring  my 
letter  to  a  close  and  lay  me  down  to  rest.  How  soon 
before  I,  with  my  Brother  Taylor,  must  lay  down  not  to 
rise  again  until  the  morning  of  the  resurrection.  It  may 
be  to-night.  May  my  work  be  done,  and  well  done,  so 
that  I  may  leave  the  world  with  joy.  Remember  me, 
especially  to  the  children,  and  kiss  them  for  me. 
Yours  affectionately, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Canton,  July,  1841. 

To  my  Dear  Daughters  A.  and  E. 

You  may  get  the  maps  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
(your  atlas  is  in  the  bottom  of  the  box  that  had  my 
papers  in,)  and  your  ma  will  point  out  to  you  all  the 
different  places  there  is  around  Canton.  The  court 
house,  the  jail,  academy,  the  Methodist,  Presbyterian  and 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  109 

Episcopal  churches,  and  the  Universalist  meeting  house. 
I  wish  Emma  would  go  to  the  front  door  and  point  to 
the  East,  West,  North,  South,  so  as  to  learn  all  about  it. 
I  want  you  to  read  much  and  not  play  all  the  time.  I 
think  you  had  best  to  get  up  in  the  morning  before  the 
sun  rises,  and  see  how  sweet  every  thing  looks,  and  how 
the  birds  sing.  Pa  wants  you  should  get  up  early,  not 
to  lay  until  the  cows  are  almost  all  milked.  And  then 
pray  to  your  Heavenly  Father  that  He  would  let  you 
awake  in  the  morning  of  the  resurrection  with  delight 
and  joy.  And  I  want  you  to  read  your  Bibles  through, 
and  tell  pa  all  about  what  you  read.  I  want  that  my 
dear  children  should  love  the  Saviour,  and  pray  with  your 
dear  mother  every  day  and  learn  your  Sabbath  School 
lessons  and  be  very  good  children.  It  is  a  very  solemn 
thing  to  die,  and  I  want  that  my  children  should  love 
and  serve  the  Lord,  so  they  may  be  prepared  for  that 
certain  hour.  If  you  go  to  the  grave  yard,  you  will 
there  see  the  graves  of  your  mother's  grand-father  and 
mother,  and  your  aunt  Nancy.  You  never  saw  them 
when  they  were  living,  but  if  you  want  to  see  them,  you 
must  be  good  children,  and  do  as  the  Savior  commands 
you.  You  must  be  very  kind  to  your  dear  mother  and 
to  your  grand-pa  and  grand-ma,  uncles  and  aunts.  You 
ma)r  ask  your  ma  to  give  you  a  pen  and  a  writing  book, 
and  learn  you  to  write  so  that  you  can  write  to  me  when 
I  am  far  away.  May  the  Lord  bless  you  until  we  see 
each  other.  Your  affectionate  father, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

Canton,  August  6th,  1841. 
Dear  Brother  Cross: 

You  perceive  by  this  that  I  am  yet  in  Canton,  as  you 


110  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

know  it  was  the  intention  to  close  last  Sabbath.  I 
preached  to  the  converts,  when  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty  took  their  seats  together.  At  the  close  of  which 
the  church  took  a  vote  to  sustain  the  meeting  until  I 
went  to  Waddington.  So  I  could  do  nothing  less  than 
to  go  forward,  and  the  oaks  began  to  bend.  And  we 
went  on  until  Wednesday  evening,  when  they  voted  to 
continue  and  sustain  the  meeting  until  next  Sabbath. 
And  Christians  begin  to  work  now,  there  have  been  one 
hundred  and  fifty  forward  for  prayers  at  a  time.  But 
what  way  God  does  take  to  forward  his  glorious  cause. 
The  Lord  laid  his  hand  on  Miram  Johnson,  and  he  began 
to  be  anxious  about  his  soul  indeed,  and  as  we  hope, 
became  a  Christian.  But  he  is  dead,  and  while  I  am 
writing,  the  whole  community  are  on  the  way  to  the 
house  to  bury  him.  He  left  many  warnings  to  the  people, 
his  funeral  sermon  is  to  be  preached  this  morning  at 
half-past  ten  o'clock.  Ma)-  God  make  both  the  living 
and  the  dead  to  speak  to-day.  This  is  the  second  funeral 
we  have  had  in  this  house  this  week.  There  have  been 
several  heads  of  families  hopefully  converted  this  week, 
and  the  meeting  is  more  interesting  now  than  any  time 
before.  I  have  wanted  you  here  very  much.  But  the 
Lord  has  ordered  otherwise.  Do  pray  for  us,  the  meet- 
ing will  close  on  the  Sabbath.  And  I  shall,  God  willing, 
be  at  Waddington  on  Tuesday  of  next  week,  the  ioth 
inst.  Now,  if  you  can  come  here  on  Monday,  and  go 
down  with  me  on  Tuesday,  I  shall  like  it  very  much.  Tell 
your  people  to  pray  for  Waddington.  The  wicked  seem 
to  be  tied  up  in  a  measure,  and  the  ranks  of  Universalists 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  Ill 

are  broken  in  upon.     Oh,  let  us  be  humble,  and  the   vic- 
tory shall  turn  on  Zion"s  side. 

In  haste,  your  brother  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


During  a  short  vacation  he  wrote  thus  to  his  own 
friends,  a  record  of  some  of  his  late  experiences  : 

Stow's  Square,  Sept.  nth,  1841. 
Dear  Parents,  Brothers,  Sisters,  &c.: 

You  perceive  by  this,  that  I  am  now  at  our  friends  in 
Lowville.  I  returned  on  Tuesday  of  this  week,  from  St. 
Lawrence  County,  to  spend  only  a  few  days  and  then 
return.  I  must  plead  guilty  of  not  writing  before,  yet  I 
have  found  it  almost  impossible  to  do  it,  for  I  have  been 
in  meeting  every  day  from  half-past  nine  in  the  morning, 
with  but  short  intermissions  until  ten  and  eleven  o'clock 
in  the  evening,  besides  persons  calling  for  private  conver- 
sation, so  that  I  have  often  found  it  encroaching  on  my 
private  devotions.  Yet  I  do  not  forget  you,  though  I 
do  not  write.  The  last  I  wrote  you  from  Potsdam  by 
my  esteemed  friend  S.  Raymond,  Esq.,  since  which  I 
have  spent  about  all  the  time  in  St.  Lawrence  County, 
holding  protracted  meetings.  I  returned  from  Potsdam 
about  the  time  that  Sister  A.  left  for  home.  I  did  feel 
that  God  had  work  for  me  at  another  place  than  Ant- 
werp, and  accordingly  told  the  people  they  must  look  for 
another  minister.  They  felt  very  loth  to  have  me  leave 
them,  and  the}'  would  do  nothing  towards  getting  another 
until  I  sent  away  all  my  goods,  and  even  then,  it  was 
hard  to  undertake  it.     But  I  felt  that  God    called,  and 


112  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

I  must  obey,  and  thus,  after  getting  my  family  all  com- 
fortably situated  at  S.  S.,  started  for  Canton.  This  vil- 
lage is  the  Shire  Town  of  the  county,  situated  on  the 
Grass  River,  about  twenty  miles  from  Ogdensburgh.  It 
has  Presbyterian,  Methodist  and  Episcopal  churches,  and 
a  Universalist  and  Baptist  meeting  house,  academy,  etc. 
The  water  privileges  here  are  quite  extensive.  On  the 
whole,  it  may  be  yet  quite  a  pleasant  village.  The 
court  and  jail  have  a  tendency  to  make  the  place  grow 
and  become  populated.  About  a  mile  from  the  village 
is  situated  the  county  alms  house,  where  there  are  miser- 
able victims  enough.  This  town  was  settled  several 
years  ago  with  New  England  Universalists.  and  they 
have  kept  the  sway  and  awed  down  the  professed  fol- 
lowers of  Christ,  so  that  the}'  supposed  all  was  safe, 
locked  up  in  universal  apathy  and  danger.  When  it  was 
known  that  a  meeting  was  appointed,  the  Universalist 
preacher  warned  his  congregation  not  to  attend  the  meet- 
ing lest  they  should  be  converted,  "for  it  is  with  sorrow." 
said  he,  "that  I  must  acknowledge  that  some  of  those 
who  we  have  been  accustomed  to  call  our  people,  have, 
by  attending  such  meetings,  been  what  the}-  call  '  con- 
verted.'" But  this  had  a  tendency  to  draw  out  the  people. 
The}-  then  came  out  with  a  pamphlet  to  warn  the  people 
against  evils  of  partialism,  drawing  a  parallel  with  the 
temperance  ox.  But  this  only  served  to  draw  out  the 
people  more,  to  see  how  the  ox  would  push  with  his 
horns,  and  so  they  got  caught  in  their  snares.  Christians 
spent  much  time  in  prayer,  and  soon  it  was  evident  their 
labors  were  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  Many  began  to 
inquire  what  shall  I  do  to  be  saved  ?  The  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  did  search  out  the  hidden  things,  or  works  of  dark- 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  113 

ness,  and  the  sturdy  oaks  began  to  fall.  The  meeting 
lasted  about  four  weeks  and  a  half,  and  there  were  about 
two  hundred  and  fifty  who  gave  evidence  of  being  the 
children  of  God.  And  many  among  them  who  had  been 
very  bold  in  sin  before  and  had  stood  up  for  the  defence 
of  error,  and  some  who  had  opposed  their  friends  in 
attending  the  meeting,  were  themselves,  made  to  bow  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross.  So  that  at  the  close  of  the  meet- 
ing it  was  put  to  vote  that  the  meeting  be  adjourned 
until  I  could  go  to  Waddington  and  hold  a  meeting 
according  to  previous  engagement,  and  then  to  be 
resumed  again.  Thus  the  Lord  has  shown  His  own 
.power,  and  to  His  name  be  all  the  glory  and  the  praise. 
How  small  is  man  before  his  Maker?  Well  would  it  be 
for  him  if  he  would  only  look  at  it  and  see  how  much  we 
arc  indebted  to  Him.  And  then  to  serve  Him  as  He 
should  be  served.  The  day  after  I  closed  at  Canton,  I 
commenced  a  meeting  at  Waddington.  This  village  is 
situated  on  the  St.  Lawrence  River,,  twenty  miles  below 
Ogdensburgh,  has  a  population  of  over  a  thousand.  It 
has  a  most  beautiful  location,  with  extensive  water 
power.  There  is  a  large  island  containing  seven  hundred 
and  eighty  acres  which  lies  some  thirty  or  fifty  rods 
from  the  main  land.  This  island  belongs  to  the  United 
States.  There  is  a  crossing  on  this  branch  of  the  river, 
and  below  on  butments  stand  a  row  of  mills,  etc.,  and 
the  clam  there  is  a  canal  or  ditch,  from  which  extended 
for  more  than  half  a  mile,  and  from  this,  water  is  taken 
to  -supply  several  machines,  and  other  shops,  that  may 
be  carried  by  water  power.  In  these  are  employed  a  large 
number  of  persons,  who  have  never  thought  much  upon 
the  means  of  grace,    or   about    their  souls.     The    only 


114  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

public  edifice  is  St.  Paul's  Church.  The  leading  charac- 
ters of  that  church  are  men  almost  dead  with  intemper- 
ance; they  are  real  drunkards,  and  I  was  credibly  in- 
formed that  one-half  of  the  male  population  were  in  the 
habit  of  getting  intoxicated,  and  there  are  several  cases 
of  delirium  tremens  now,  in  that  small  village.  The 
religion  of  the  place  has  been  in  a  great  measure  under 
the  controlling  influence  of  High  Episcopacy,  which  is 
infinitely  worse  than  no  religion  at  all.  There  were, 
however,  two  or  three  of  the  female  members  of  the 
church  who  came  into  the  meeting  and  took  quite  an 
interest  in  it.  There  were  a  very  few  of  Methodists,  and 
they  were  perhaps  not  as  bad,  but  nearly  so.  Their 
class  leader  right  in  fhe  midst  of  the  meeting  went  with 
wicked  men  to  the  bar  and  drank  his  gin.  The  Congre- 
gational was  very  little  better.  The  whole  church  was 
composed  of  twelve  members,  five  males  and  seven  females 
Of  the  males,  one  was  a  gambling,  dishonest,  Sabbath- 
breaking,  licentious  man.  Another  was  away  nearly  all 
the  time,  and  when  at  home,  did  nothing  to  advance 
the  cause.  One  did  not  maintain  family  worship. 
Another  was  very  much  engaged  in  parties,  etc.  The 
other  had  the  form  of  godliness.  Of  the  females,  one 
was  gone  away,  one  was  sick,  one  crazy  poor  woman  has 
great  trials,  is  sensible  of  her  derangement,  talks  about 
it  quite  rational  to  all  appearance,  may  the  Lord  be  gra- 
cious unto  her;  another  came  forward  and  confessed  that 
for  years  she  was  very  sensible  she  was  a  hypocrite,  one 
out  of  the  three  others  was  waiting  for  the  consolation 
of  Israel,  the  other  two  had  never  attended  a  prayer 
meeting  for  fear  they  should  be  called  upon  to  pray. 
There  was  a  minister  of  the  Scotch  Presbyterian   Church 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  115 

which  meets  about  three  miles  from  the  village,  he  re- 
sides in  the  village.  As  I  called  on  him,  he  brought  out 
his  decanter  of  wine  and  brandy  !  Here  you  have  the 
moral  character,  or  power  of  that  village  and  community, 
it  is  impossible  to  conceive  of  the  desolations.  There 
was  no  preaching  of  any  kind,  and  had  not  been  for  a 
long  time,  except  occasional  Methodist  preaching,  and 
scarcely  any  attended  on  that.  I  obtained  the  use  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  to 'hold  the  meeting  in,  and  entered 
the  "  Sanctum  Sanctorum."  The  Lord  blessed,  I  preached 
for  about  four  weeks,  and  at  the  close,  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  about  eighty  hopeful  converts,  who  professed 
to  have  given  themselves  to  the  Lord.  Among  them 
are  the  most  wealthy  and  the  most  respectable  part  of 
the  village.  On  the  Sabbath,  thirty  united  with  the 
Congregational  Society.  I  had  but  little  help  from  any 
quarter  except  from  above,  without  that,  all  other  help 
would  be  useless  and  vain.  Truly,  how  good  the  Lord 
is  to  those  who  will  trust  in  Him,  and  serve  Him  with 
all  the  heart.  Yet,  I  often  feel  my  heart  is  far  from 
God,  and  but  little  of  the  spirit  of  Jesus  is  found  in  my 
soul,  yet  I  often  feel  to  say,  "  O,  for  grace  to  love  Thee 
more."  Never  have  I  felt  the  responsibility  resting  upon 
me  as  I  have  during  the  past  season,  while  constantly 
engaged  leading  souls  to  Christ.  But  I  need  it  still 
more  than  ever.  Do  pray  for  me,  that  I  may  be  con- 
formed to  the  image  of  my  Savior  God.  I  am  now 
expecting  to  return  on  Monday  or  Tuesday  to  Canton, 
to  resume  that  meeting  again.  How  long  I  shall  be 
absent  from  my  family  I  cannot  say.  May  the  Lord 
prolong  life  and  grant  every  needed  blessing.  The 
children  are  healthy  and  have  grown  much.     My  great- 


116  LIFE   AXD  LETTERS  OF 

est  anxiety  is  to  see  them  praying  children,  walking  in 
the  fear  of  God.  All  other  adornments  I  consider  as 
useless,  besides  this  in  comparison,  to  be  prepared 
for  usefulness  to  glorify  God,  and  enjoy  Him 
forever. 

But  I  must  bring  my  letter  to  a  close.  I  should  like 
to  hear  from  you  all,  and  often  as  possible.  I  will 
endeavor  to  write  oftener.  Love  to  all,  Pray  much 
for  me.  As  ever,  your  affectionate  son, 

L.   A.   WlCKES. 

P.  S.  I  saw  in  a  paper  from  Albany,  a  Mr.  Wickes 
while  lecturing  on  temperance,  was  pelted  with  rotten 
eggs.  I  should  like  to  know  whether  it  was  father  that 
had  that  high  honor  conferred  upon  him,  and  what  he 
did  in  the  midst  of  the  salute;  what  a  rotten  heart  the 
devil  has  got.  At  any  rate,  his  fruit  in  that  instance, 
was  quite  emblematic  of  his  high  and  moral  worth. 


Caxtmx,  August  21.  1 841. 

Mr.  Wickes  : 

I  had  just  folded  my  paper  to  write  a  line  to  you, 
when  Brothers  Wood  and  Cross  called,  and  gave  me  the 
cheering  information  of  the  good  work  of  the  Lord  at 
Waddington.  I  had  learned  something  of  it  by  your 
very  welcome  letter,  but  more  by  them. 

I  pray  God  to  renovate  Waddington,  and  "  create  all 
things  new  there." 

Our  meetings  here,  and  in  all  the  neighborhoods  about 
us,  are  very  well  attended,  and  the  spirit  of  inquiry  has 
gone  forth  throughout  the  town. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  117 

We  held  a  prayer-meeting  of  the  church  yesterday, 
all  day,  commencing  at  half-past  ten  A.  M.  and  closing  a 
little  past  four  P.  M.,  with  but  half  an  hour's  intermission. 
I  think  the  spirit  of  prayer  in  the  church  now  is  more 
abundant  than  when  you  left  here.  The  young  converts 
as  yet  appear  well  and  pray  much.  Mr.  Baldwin  and 
Baxter  and  Chamberlin  appear  well.  Baldwin  is  a  great 
help  already  in  our  religious  meetings. 

We  design  to  resume  the  meeting  again,  according  to 
our  adjournment.  We  see,  if  possible,  more  cause  for 
this  than  when  we  closed  the  meeting.  Many  persons 
are  now  disarmed  of  their  prejudices,  ready  to  converse 
on  religion,  and  say  if  the  meeting  is  resumed,  they  will 
attend  it.  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  many  Universalists 
will  attend  the  next  meeting.  I  am  of  the  honest  opinion 
that  another  meeting  of  two  or  three  weeks  will  accom- 
plish more  than  has  been  done.  All  the  church  say, 
"  resume  the  meeting,"  and  so  say  many  men  of  the 
world.  The  Universalists  rave  and  foam.  God  has 
laid  His  hand  upon  them,  and  they  feel  it. 

The  bearer  of  this  is  ivaiting,  or  I  would  write  more. 
I  now  mean  to  go  to  Waddington  on  Monday  next,  and 
stay  one  night,  but  must  return  home  on  Tuesday 
evening. 

Mrs.  P.  sends  love. 

Your  Brother, 

R.  Pettibone. 


Canton,  Sept.  i,  1841. 
Dear  Brother  Wickes  : 

I  received  yours  of  the  31st,  and  I  rejoice  to  hear  of 
the  good  work.      I  advise  you  to  encourage  the  young 


118  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

converts,  and  care  for  their  future  interest.  If  the  church 
agrees  to  it,  I  would  receive  them  into  the  fold  before 
leaving  them — all  that  are  willing,  and  give  good  evidence 
of  a  saving  change. 

There  is  no  abatement  of  interest  here  in  religious 
concerns ;  at  least,  there  is  none  on  the  subject  of  another 
meeting.  I  should  like,  myself,  to  have  it  begin  a  little 
sooner  than  the  time  you  mention,  but  perhaps  it  is  soon 
enough.  The  farming  community  will  all  be  through 
with  their  harvests  by  that  time,  and  in  the  meanwhile 
we  will  be  doing  all  that  we  can.  If  you  will  return  to 
Canton  on  Monday,  and  preach  here  on  Monday  evening. 
I  will  find  you  a  conveyance  over  to  De  Kalb,  and  then 
by  sending  my  own  team,  or  by  paying  your  passage  in 
the  stage.  If  you  can  do  this,  we  should  be  much 
pleased,  and  I  think  it  would  do  good.  Should  you 
conclude  to  come,  please  to  send  word  by  the  bearer,  Bro. 
C,  and  I  will,  on  the  Sabbath,  give  out  an  appointment 
for  you  on  next  Monday  evening.  I  hope  and  pray  that 
God  will  still  continue  to  bless  us  here  in  Canton,  and 
that  He  will  go  on  with  His  own  work  until  all  St. 
Lawrence  County  is  redeemed. 

Yours  affectionately, 

R.  Pettibone, 
The  Pastor  of  the  church  in  Canton. 


Canton,  Sept.  15,  1841. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife; 

When  I  left  you,  on  Monday,  I  did  intend  to  reach 

Last  meeting  at    Philadelphia    the    same    evening,    but    was 

Canton.  detained  an  hour  at  Deer  River  in  getting 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  119 

my  wagon  mended.  I  staid  at  Br.  Jackson's,  in  Cham- 
pion. Had  quite  an  interesting"  time  in  conversation  and 
prayer.  I  started  before  sunrise;  called  at  Br.  Shat- 
tuck's;  his  wife  feeble.  Their  meeting-house  will  soon  be 
completed;  it  is  thirty  by  fifty;  will  make  a  good  house 
when  finished.  I  arrived  at  Antwerp,  and  here  I  attended 
their  church  conference.  But  few  attended,  and  they 
were  quite  disheartened.  Br.  R.  said  the  dirty  house  was 
a  testimony  against  them.  Br.  B.  said  their  house  was 
not  half  as  dirt)-  as  their  hearts  were,  and  if  they  would 
■only  get  new  hearts,  they  would  soon  have  a  clean  house, 
.and  so  I  thought.  The  church  could  not  speak  to  me 
without  weeping,  and  wanted  to  know  when  I  would 
come  back  again.  I  gave  no  encouragement,  if  ever, 
unless  it  was  the  will  of  Heaven.  I  found  immorality, 
like  a  tide,  was  rolling  in  upon  the  place.  May  the  Lord 
lift  up  a  standard,  for  "  how  soon  the  gold  becomes  dim, 
and  the  most  tine  gold  is  changed."  After  conversing 
with  the  friends,  I  went  on  and  made  several  calls, 
hound  Br.  B.  had  made  up  his  mind  to  leave  Gouverneur ; 
it  was  uncertain  whether  they  would  have  a  meeting. 
At  Richville,  the  Baptist  church  had  taken  a  vote  to 
request  Elder  Clark  to  leave,  for  they  could  not  stand  the 
expense  of  attending  the  meeting,  and  paid  him  two 
■dollars,  and  he  left ! !  "  O,  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,"  etc.  I 
reached  this  place  just  before  evening.  I  preached  this 
eve  from  2  Sam.,  5:24,  "When  thou  hearest  the  sound  of 
.a  going  in  the  top  of  the  mulberry  trees,"  etc.  Quite  a 
goodly  congregation  was  out,  and  the  Spirit  of  God 
was  evidently  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  Sister  Pettibone 
felt  a  good  deal  for  souls. 

Sept.    16,    half-past    ten    in    the    evening. — At    the 


120         .  LIFE   AND  LETTERS    OF 

prayer-meeting  in  the  morning,  there  were  very  few  to 
attend — only  about  twenty,  though  there  was  a  good 
degree  of  feeling  with  those  who  had  come,  tho'  I 
was  disappointed  in  not  seeing  more  there.  In  the  after- 
noon there  was  something  of  a  number  out  to  meeting.  I 
preached  from  Eph.  6:15,  :' Put  on  the  whole  armor  of 
God,"  etc.;  and  this  eve,  Matt.,  12:30.  And  there  was 
very  good  attention  paid  to  the  subject.  O,  may  it  be 
the  beginning  of  better  times  for  this  place.  Waggoner 
has  gone  to  New  York.  I  pray  God  to  affect  their 
hearts  while  he  is  gone,  and  reach  him  while  he  is  there. 
I  know  God  is  able  to  conquer  the  stoutest  heart,  and 
reach  him.  To-day  one  young  man  has  been  turned 
away  from  home  because  he  w-ould  attend  on  this  meet- 
ing. It  is  the  son  of  Dr.  Noble,  the  inn-keeper,  on  the 
hill  towards  Potsdam.  If  the  father  does  not  yield  to 
Christ,  he  will,  in  all  probability,  disinherit  his  son.  The 
young  man  is  twenty-three  years  of  age,  and  a  most 
faithful  and  industrious  young  man.  How  true  is  the 
language  of  the  Savior,  "  A  man's  foes  shall  be  they  of  his 
own  household."  That  man  cannot  rest  day  or  night. 
He  says,  "  It  is  old  Wickes  and  the  Devil,  and  when  I 
was  away  off  in  Lowville  I  was  before  his  mind."  Poor 
man  !  He  ought  to  know  that  it  is  God's  spirit  that  is 
pressing  on  his  heart,  and  that  his  warfare  is  an  unequal 
one.  I  do  feel  that  the  Lord  wrill  take  care  of  that 
young  man,  and  he  shall  have  a  hundred-fold  more  in  this 
world,  and  in  the  world  to  come  life  everlasting.  To  have 
God  for  our  friend  is  all  that  we  can  ask,  and  it  is  more 
than  we  deserve;  yet  we  are  His  children,  and  He  will 
regard  His  own  followers,  and  protect  those  who  will 
trust  Him.     "  I  will  be  a  Father  unto  you,  and  ye  shall 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  121 

be  my  sons  and  daughters,  saith  the  Lord  Almighty." 
Br.  Pettibone  has  taken  the  young  man  into  his  house, 
and  he  will  be  a  father  to  him.  May  the  Lord  let  His 
blessing  attend  him. 

17th,  half-past  eleven  o'clock,  evening. — This  morning 
an  anonymous  letter,  through  the  post-office,  advising  me  to 
leave  the  town  soon  as  possible,  or  I  should  be  lynched  or 
mobbed.      O,  how  weak  are  the  efforts  of  man  against 
his  God  !     Truly,  God  is  more  powerful  than  the  arms  of 
the    wicked    and    the    devices   of    the    ungodly.       The 
language  of  the  Apostle  is  my  trust :  "  If  the  Lord  be  for 
us,  who  can  be  against  us  ?"     To-day  the  meeting  in  the 
morning   was    pretty    well    attended,   and    some    feeling 
among  Christians.     But  few  impenitent  present.     In  the 
afternoon,  preached   to  rather  a  thin  house.      The  men 
stay   at    home,    to    keep    the    women    at    home.       This 
evening,  a  large  congregation,  and  very  attentive.      The 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  seemed  to  move  upon  the  hearts  of 
many.     O,  that  the  Lord  will  make  bare  His  arm,  and 
save  this  people  from  their    sins.     Brother   Pettibone    is 
confined  to  his  house  to-day  on  account  of  sickness;  may 
it  please  the  Lord  to  raise  him  up  to  bodily  and  spiritual 
health.     I  am  sleepy  and  must  close  for  to-night.     Mon- 
day morning,  Sept.  20th.    Since  I  closed  the  other  night, 
I  have  not  had  time  to  write  a  line  at  all.     On  Saturday 
the  house  was  somewhat    more  filled   than    on   the  day 
previous,  and  some  more  feeling.  The  church  took  hold  in 
prayer,  and  I  do  hope  some  have  given    their   hearts  to 
God.     Brother  Pettibone  was  taken  sick  on  Friday,  and 
he  has  not  been  able  to  be  out    since,  and    I    have    been 
almost  alone  in  the  labors,   as  far  as   to    ministerial  help, 
yet  the  Lord  has  sustained.      On    the  Sabbath  we  had 
8 


122  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

an  overflowing  congregation,  and  of  course,  a  greater 
responsibility  resting  upon  me.  The  Methodist  and 
Baptist  ministers  were  present,  and  took  part  in  the 
exercises,  and  there  was  a  universal  expression  of  cove- 
nanting to  take  hold  of  the  work  and  doing  all  they 
could,  and  it  seemed  to  be  a  full  and  hearty  covenant 
of  the  people,  and  I  hope  that  our  Heavenly  Father  will 
see  it  is  His  people's  sincere  consecration.  Yesterday, 
there  were  people  present  from  Canton,  Potsdam,  Nor- 
folk, Massena,  Waddington,  Ogdensburgh,  DeKalb,  Her- 
mon,  Russel  and  Lisbon,  and  this  being  court  week,  we 
shall  have  representatives  from  all  parts  of  county.  Last 
evening  there  were  some  fifty  or  sixty  rose  for  prayers, 
and  after  meeting,  one  of  the  first  merchants  tarried,  and 
vowed  to  serve  God,  and  opened  his  mouth  in  prayer, 
and  also  a  young  man  from  the  academy,  who  was  a 
backslider.  I  hope  that  institution  may  share  more  and 
more  in  the  blessing  of  God,  as  the  meeting  advances  in 
its  time  and  interest.  Do  pray  much  for  it,  God  has 
heard  prayer  in  behalf  of  it.  At  the  time  of  the  death 
of  Myron  Johnson,  the  Principal  elect  of  the  academy, 
I  prayed  that  God  would  grant  that  the  trustees  (the 
most  of  whom  are  Universalists,)  might  be  inclined  to 
obtain  a  teacher  who  would  pray  with  those  pupils,  and 
the  present  preceptor  is  a  talented  young  man,  a  member 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  Middleburg,  Vt.  I  do 
hope  it  will  be  the  means  of  God  visiting  it  with 
His  Spirit.  There  are  about  forty  young  gentlemen  in 
the  academy,  and  the  female  department,  I  cannot  say 
much  about,  only  the  instructress  is  an  Episcopalian. 
This  morning's  mail  brought  me  a  letter  from  Rev.  Mr. 
Barret,  of  Weston,  Vt.,  wishing   to  get   me  to  go    and 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  123 

hold  a  meeting  there,  and  to  labor  a  few  months  in  that 
State,  among  the  Green  Mountains.  I  think  now  that 
it  is  not  my  duty  to  go  into  another  State,  or  to  give 
him  any  encouragement  of  my  coming  at  the  present. 
And  when  I  go  into  another  State,  I  want  my  dear  family 
with  me,  it  is  bad  enough  to  be  in  another  county  from 
them.  But  be  still  my  heart,  I  must  not  begin  to  talk 
thus,  lest  I  begin  to  complain,  and  thus  grieve  my  Savior. 
I  find  Satan  is  faithful  in  his  temptations  and  trials  on 
the  mind,  and  they  must  not  be  pampered  with  at  all. 
The  wicked  are  raging  like  a  mad  bull  in  the  net  here, 
but  the  Lord,  I  hope,  will  tame  them. 

Monday,  Sept.  27th.  My  dear  wife,  I  do  suppose  by 
this  time  you  will  think  I  have  forgotten  you  almost,  and 
you  are  justifiable  in  thinking  so,  for  I  feel  condemned  in 
not  finishing  this  before.  But  I  have  not  had  time  to 
write  at  all,  since  last  Monday.  Brother  Pettibone's 
health  is  so  poor  since  he  got  better,  that  I  have  all  the 
labor  mostly  to  do,  and  I  do  not  get  to  rest  until  about 
twelve  o'clock  at  night.  During  the  last  week  we  have 
had  all  we  could  do  till  eleven  o'clock  at  night  in  the 
church,  and  there  was  a  real  cry-out  among  the  impeni- 
tent, and  they  could  not  leave  the  house  until  they  gave 
up  all  to  Christ,  and  fell  at  His  feet.  The  meeting  has 
not  been  in  progress  quite  two  weeks,  and  so  far,  it  has 
been  attended  by  the  divine  power,  with  a  great  deal 
more  pungent  feeling  than  the  other,  and  there  have  been 
more  conversions  than  there  were  at  the  same  time  in  the 
previous  meeting,  but  not  as  many  as  I  did  anticipate, 
and  neither  have  the  churches  come  up  to  the  help  of  the 
Lord,  nor  attended  as  punctually  and  as  generally  as  they 
did  before.     But   you  can  conceive  of  nothing  like  the 


124  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

combination  and  alliance  which  the  wicked  have  formed 
at  this  place.  And  the  degree  of  rage  which  they  seem 
to  feel  towards  this  meeting.  Yet,  nothing  like  violence 
has  been  offered  at  all,  though  it  has  been  threatened. 
The  Lord  has  a  great  hook  for  the  jaws  of  the  leviathan, 
and  He  can  hold  them  in  His  hand.  Oh,  how  I  want  to 
get  them  into  the  fold  of  my  blessed  Savior  and  Re- 
deemer, where  they  may  be  made  useful  to  build  up  His 
cause.  I  cannot  say  how  many  have  turned  to  the  Lord. 
God  has  taken  some  out  of  the  families  of  the  most 
strong  and  violent  opposers  in  this  place.  What  is  puny 
little  man,  before  the  living  God.  But  I  will  close  and 
send  this  sheet  without  filling.  I  have  hit  upon  Wed- 
nesday, the  6th  of  October,  to  go  to  Morristown  and 
commence  the  meeting  there.  I  shall  aim  to  have  it  a 
short  meeting,  and  get  home  before  the  ist  of  Novem- 
ber. I  want  you  to  write  soon.  I  have  more  to  say, 
but  have  not  time.  Say  to  all,  love  Jesus  and  serve 
Him.  Pray  much  for  me.  Mrs.  P.  sends  love  to  you. 
Give  my  love  to  all,  tell  them  to  pray  much  for  me  and 
for  this  place. 

I  am  as  ever,  your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


My  Dear  Little  Children: 

I  want  you  to  be  obedient,  and  kind  to  your  dear 
mamma,  and  to  your  grandpa  and  grandma,  and  so  to 
live  and  act,  that  they  all  will  love  you   and    esteem  you. 


"LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  125 

Pa  wants  you  to  see  what  improvement  you  can  make 
in  working,  reading  and  being  good.  There  are  a  good 
many  little  girls  who  do  pray  her£,  and  they  love  to  pray, 
and  why  should  not  my  little  daughters  too.  Be  care- 
ful not  to  have  any  unkind  feelings  towards  each  other, 
and  if  you  have  any,  do  not  say  a  word,  but  get  alone 
and  pray  our  Heavenly  Father  to  forgive  you,  and  keep 
you  from  doing  wrong.  I  must  stop,  people  are  coming 
to  meeting. 

Your  affectionate  father, 

L.  A.   WlCKES. 

P.  S. — I  have  not   time   to   correct   blunders,  please 
overlook  them,  for  there  are  many. 

Canton,  1841. 
Mr.  Wickes — 

Dear  Sir: 

Anony-  I  take  this  opportunity  to  inform  you  that  the 

mous  letter    .   .  r  ,-,  ,  .  ,  ,  . 

written  to  citizens  of  Canton   have    heard   your  preaching 

Mr.  W.     lonor  enough,  for  you  have  divided    everv    chord 
while  at    .      b  &    '  '  ^ 

Canton,    insunder   that  binds  man  and  wife  together,  and 

parents  and  children  ;  I  need  not  tell  you  that,  Joe  Nobles 

has  forbid  his  favorite  from  coming   to  his  house  on  the 

account  of  you.     This  very  son  he  had  willed  homestead 

farm  to.    But  since  you  came  back,  the  will  has  been  altered, 

and  he  is  cut  off  from  home  and  property  by  your  means. 

This  is    but  one  case  out  of  fifty   that  I  could  mention 


126  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF      • 

had  I  time,  but  serfice  it  say  you  can  have  this  week 
to  close  your  meeting.  And  I  warn  you  as  a  friend  if  you 
stay  any  longer  you  will  be  delt  with  according  to  lynch 
law.  Thirty  of  the  best  men  in  this  town  is  this  minite 
ready  to  put  it  into  effect.  I,  therefore,  as  a  friend,  advise 
you  to  leave  this  place,  for  just  so  sure  as  you  preach 
in  this  town  next  week,  just  so  sure  you  will  find 
trouble.  I  know  this  to  be  a  fact,  because  I  know 
there  is  metings  every  night  to  that  efect,  and  if  one 
excitement  will  take  efect  another  will,  I  must  close 
from  a  friend  and  well  wisher. 

Bye-and-bye  you  will  hear  my  name,  for  I  am   not 
ashamed  to  own  it  before  God  and  man. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


REVIVAL  MEETING  AT  MORRISTOWN. 
BIRTHDAY  LETTER  OF   1841. 


MORRISTOWN,  Oct.   7th,  1 841. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

OU  see  I  have  finally  reached  this  place.  The  meet- 
ing commenced  on  Wednesday  evening,  and  but  a 
1*  small  number  out  indeed,  and  it  being  an  old  school 
church,  I  found  they  were  on  the  lookout  for  breakers  and 
heresies,  yet  they  seemed  to  move  away  from  the  house  feel- 
ing that  it  was  not  so  bad  after  all.  It  is  a  most  deso- 
late place  as  to  morals.  There  are  but  two  family  altars 
in  the  village,  a  population  of  forty  families,  and  one  of 
those  is  Rev.  Mr.  W\,  the  other  is  a  Mr.  P.,  a  ferryman, 
who  cannot  attend  meeting  very  frequently.  There  are, 
however,  some  sixty  members  in  the  church,  and  some 
fifteen  or  twenty  females  that  reside  in  the  village.  I  think 
from  what  I  can  judge,  that  good  may  be  expected  from 
the  meeting.  The  other  churches  of  the  old  school  send 
in  delegates  to  see  how  things   move  here,  and  spy  out 

127 


128  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

the  land.  I  pray  God  they  may  see  on  what  a  barren 
soil  they  live,  while  God  is  pouring  out  His  spirit  on 
other  churches,  they  are  famishing  for  the  bread  of  life, 
yet  it  may  be,  God  has  good  in  store  for  them.  Let  us 
pray  for  them.  There  have  been  one  or  two  hopeful  con- 
versions, the  first  that  was  ever  hopefully  converted  in  the 
meeting-house,  which  has  been  built  some  three  or  four 
years.  I  pray  God,  it  may  not  be  the  last.  I  find  a 
young  lady  here  that  was  converted  at  Antwerp,  also  M. 
M.,  the  author  of  the  book,  "A  New  Order  of  Mission- 
aries." I  closed  meeting  at  Canton,  on  Sabbath,  the  3d 
of  October,  or  rather,  not  until  Monday  morning,  though 
we  dismissed  the  congregation  at  about  ten  at  night, 
yet  sinners  were  calling  for  mercy,  so  that  we  did  not  dis- 
perse until  after  midnight,  and  there  were  some  eight  or 
ten  we  hope,  gave  themselves  to  the  Savior,  after  the  reg- 
ular meeting  closed.  The  whole  number  of  conversions 
during  the  meeting,  was  something  near  sixty.  The 
meeting  lasted  about  two  weeks  and  a  half,  and  it  was 
only  by  the  power  of  Israel's  God  that  anything  was 
done,  and  to  His  name  be  all  the  glory,  the  praise  and 
power.  It  is  the  hardest  battle  that  I  have  had  to  fight, 
and  the  least  help  that  I  have  had  of  human  kind. 
When  I  came  to  this  place,  I  went  round  by  Wadding- 
ton  and  preached  there  Monday  evening,  Tuesday  P.  M. 
and  evening.  Had  a  meeting  for  prayer  and  conversa- 
tion in  the  morning,  and  in  the  mean  time  had  church 
meeting,  took  six  more  into  the  church,  *  baptized  one 
child,  and  there  were  some  fourteen  or  sixteen  souls  hope- 

*  Speaking  after  the  manner  of  men. — As  practical,  he  acknowledged 
the  great  truth  that  to  be  genuinely  converted,  is  to  become  a  member  of 
the  General  Assembly,  the  church  of   the  first  born. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  129 

fully  converted  to  God.  May  the  Lord  keep  them  by 
His  almighty  power.  Also  organized  a  society,  appointed 
trustees.  They  have  got  a  subscription  of  some  thir- 
teen hundred  dollars  for  building  a  meeting  house,  and 
the  converts  appear  very  well.  They  are  the  most  active 
of  all  the  places  where  I  have  been.  They  have  no  min- 
ister, and  so  have  to  work  or  die.  I  have  not  heard  from 
home  since  I  left,  but  try  to  leave  all  in  the  hand  of  God. 
Trust  He  will  protect  and  bless  us.  Many  friends  send 
love  to  you.  I  received  a  letter  from  Brother  Whitford's 
people  at  Watertown,  requesting  me  to  come  and  see 
them  as  soon  as  possible,  as  their  son  and  youngest 
daughter  were  lying  at  the  point  of  death,  and  were  ex- 
pecting every  day  would  be  the  last.  How  peculiar  are 
the  dealings  of  God  with  man.  Let  us  be  prepared  for 
every  exigency,  and  ready  for  all  the  trials  of  life.  Aure- 
lia  and  Emma,  be  good  children,  love  all,  and  be  kind  to 
each  other.     Respects  to  all  in  haste. 

As  ever,  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


MORRISTOWN,  Oct.   Ilth,  1 84 1 . 


Dear  Sister  E.: 


The  sister         \  ou  will  perceive  that   I  am  on  the   banks 

was  teaching 

ats  h.  of  the  bt.  Lawrence,  and  the  same  waters  which 
you  see  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  soon  float  down  here  too. 
The  village  is  on  the  river,  and  the  steamers  Oneida  and 
Telegraph,  that  touch  at  the  harbor,  call  at  the  wharf 
here;  they  arrive  from  twelve  to  three  in  the  afternoon, 


130  LIFE     AND    LETTERS    OF 

and  if  you  can  leave  your  school  to  come  here,  I  will,  God 
willing,  carry  you  home.  The  meeting  commenced  last 
week,  Wednesday  evening.  The  religion  was  in  a  most 
deplorable  condition  among  all.  The  church  was  very 
low,  and  still  is,  yet  there  are  some  who  feel,  and  some  that 
are  willing  to  labor  for  the  upbuilding  of  the  cause  of  Christ. 
Yet  they  cannot  come  and  plead  for  sinners  with  that  ear- 
nestness, that  I  think  Christians  should,  nor  with  that 
faith  which  the}-  should  exercise.  Yet,  this  afternoon, 
we  hope  some  eight  or  ten  individuals  have  become  hope- 
ful heirs  of  immortal  life.  To  God's  name  be  all  the 
glory,  and  the  praise,  and  the  power.  The  people  are 
fast  assembling  for  evening  meeting.  This  house  was 
never  filled  until  yesterday,  though  it  is  a  small  one,  and 
it  was  filled  by  His  spirit  too.  We  are  in  hopes  to  see 
great  things  here.  "  But  let  not  him  that  putteth  on  the 
harness,  boast  himself  as  he  that  putteth  it  off."  12th. 
Last  evening,  the  spirit  of  God  was  evidently  visible  in 
the  congregation,  a  deep  solemnity  seemed  to  rest  on  the 
minds  of  the  people.  May  the  Lord  send  His  spirit 
upon  them,  and  bring  them  to  bow  at  His  feet.  The 
meeting  in  Canton  was  a  good  one ;  I  have  preached 
there  about  eight  weeks,  and  there  were  some  three 
hundred  hopeful  conversions,  and  the  work  is  still  pro- 
gressing, and  souls  are  weekly  coming  to  the  Savior.  But 
opposition  to  the  cause  of  Christ  was  most  powerful  and 
strong.  But  the  Lord  has  girdled  the  tree  of  infidelity, 
and  it  must  die.  May  the  Lord  hasten  it.  At  Wad- 
dington  the  meeting  was  glorious,  and  is  an  honor  to  the 
blessed  Savior,  who  has  so  triumphantly  worked.  God 
is  doing  great  things  for  this  county.  Hundreds  are 
bowing  to  the  scepter  of  Immanuel.     Let  us,  dear  sister, 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  131 

live  more  for  Jesus,  and  nearer  in  prayer  to  God.  The 
meeting  will  probably  hold  next  week,  or  a  part  of  the 
week.      Pray  for  this  place. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

L.   A.   WlCKES. 


MORRISTOWX,  Oct.,   19th,   I  84 1. 

Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

I  received  yours,  of  the  date  unwritten,  on  the  borders 
of  mother's.  The  Lord  is  working  here.  There  have 
been  somewhere  between  seventy  and  one  hundred  that 
have  expressed  hope  since  the  meeting  commenced. 
They  have  never  seen  such  a  time  here  before,  and  do  not 
know  how  to  act  now,  sometimes  the}'  are  all  carried 
away  with  their  extacy,  and  then  all  down  in  doubt, 
and  hardly  know  where  to  look  for  help,  or  what  to  think, 
while  others  seem  to  feel  they  will  look  up  to  God  at  all 
times.  There  have  been  up  to  this  date,  some  eight  or 
ten  family  altars  erected  in  the  village,  more  praying 
families  than  was  ever  known  here  before.  May  the 
Lord  increase  the  number  still  more  and  more,  until 
every  house  shall  be  a  praying  house,  and  even-  heart  a 
meet  temple  for  the  Lord  to  dwell  in.  I  shall  not  be 
able  to  leave  here  before  next  Monday,  (the  25th,)  if  then, 
and  when  I  do  leave,  I  wish  to  go  directly  to  L.  as  soon 
as  I  can,  with  the  Lord's  help.  I  have  been  in  hopes 
that  I  could  get  through  what  the  Lord  has  for  me  to 
do  here  this  week,  and  reach  home  before  the  Sabbath. 
But  as  the  prospects  now  appear,  I  shall  not  be  able  to 
close  before  the  Sabbath,  and  may  be,  not    then.     I    feel 


132  LIFE   AXD  LETTERS  OF 

that  the  Lord  will  do  all  things  right,  and  let  us  trust  in 
His  hand  for  help,  and  He  will  be  our  support.  The 
prayers  of  many  Christian  friends  in  this  place  are  offered 
for  us,  and  morning  and  evening,  we'  are  remembered 
here  by  the  good  family  with  whom  I  board.  Be  prayer- 
ful, write  to  me  soon. 

In  haste,  yours  affectionately, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


MORRISTOWN,  Oct.  25th,  1 841. 

Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

You  will  perceive  by  this,  that  I  am  still  on  the 
borders  of  the  United  States,  and  shall  probably  be 
here  a  few  days  longer,  it  may  be  until  next  Sabbath. 
I  feel  anxious  to  be  at  home  with  my  family.  My  first 
is  to  serve  God  in  the  salvation  of  souls,  and  the  second, 
is  my  dear  family.  The  work  of  the  Lord  is  progressing 
here  gloriously.  There  is  scarce  a  day,  but  there  are 
some  new  family  altars  erected  here,  and  souls  are  turn- 
ing to  the  Lord ;  29th,  I  had  only  time  to  write  the 
above,  and  was  then  called  off  so  that  I  could  not  finish 
it  before  the  stage  went  out,  and  it  goes  only  every 
other  day,  and  I  have  had  one  thing  after  another  to 
give  me  no  time.  I  do  not  get  to  rest  until  about  twelve 
o'clock  every  night.  I  am  willing  to  wear  out,  but  I  do 
feel  solicitous  about  my  family.  Since  I  commenced 
this,  the  work  has  moved  forward  with  unabating  inter- 
est, yea,  with  an  increasing  interest.  Opposition  seems 
to  be  falling  before  the  wheels  of  God's  chariot.  And 
the  work  amone  the   heads  of  families  is  most    like  the 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  133 

work  of  Norfolk,  of  anything  I  have  seen  this  season. 
Several  openly  avowed  Universalists  have  been  made  to 
bow  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  The  congregation  is  small, 
not  much  more  than  half  as  large  as  at  either  of  the 
other  places,  though  we  have  a  meeting-house  full,  that 
is  between  three  and  four  hundred,  and  of  this  number, 
one-third,  if  not  more,  is  often  forward  for  prayers,  and 
the  most  have  expressed  hope  in  the  Savior.  To  God, 
be  all  the  glory,  the  praise  and  the  power.  Some  who 
have  been  swearing  mad,  have  been  cut  down  in  a  mom- 
ent. Nearly  one-half  of  all  the  families  of  the  village 
have  altars  erected  in  them,  and  some  are  rejoicing  in  hope 
in  other  houses.  May  the  Lord  still  progress  in  the 
work  of  salvation.  It  seems  as  though  the  work  has 
but  just  begun,  and  the  whole  region  is  on  the  move,  and 
I  have  no  doubt,  if  they  will  keep  humble  that  they  may 
see  such  a  work  here  as  has  not  been  in  the  county  for 
a  longtime.  But  yet,  it  seems  that  they  hardly  know 
what  to  do,  and  where  to  go,  so  long  have  they  lived  in 
sin,  and  backsliding,  and  now  they  have  to  be  instructed 
in  the  first  great  principles  of  serving  God  with  all  the 
heart.  Let  us  be  grateful  for  what  God  has  done,  and 
show  that  we  need  not  labor  in  vain,  if  we  labor  in  the 
work  of  the  Lord.  I  feel  often  that  I  am  too  ungrate- 
ful for  all  His  favors,  which  He  is  showing  us,  and  for 
what  He  is  using  me  for,  shall  the  saw  boast  itself'against 
him  that  shaketh  it  ?  foolish  indeed,  can  that  be,  and 
what  am  I,  any  more.  I  feel  that  I  am  indebted  under 
God  to  the  prayers  of  His  people  for  all  the  blessings 
that  have  attended  the  truth  that  has  been  spoken.  O, 
may  I  ever  prove  myself  worthy  of  the  prayers  of  the 
faithful  and  humble  followers  of  the  meek  and   lowly  Je- 


134  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

sus.  I  am  very  anxious  to  do  what  the  will  of  the  Lord 
is  if  I  know  my  heart  and  then  I  can  secure  the  blessing 
of  God  upon  my  whole  family,  and  also  my  children's 
children,  for  I  know  that  God  will  keep  those 
who  trust  in  him.  "And  he  that  honoreth  God,  God 
shall  honor."  We  never  can  be  safer  than  when 
under  the  hand  of  our  Savior's  direction,  He  never 
will  leave  us,  and  in  our  greatest  trials  He  will  uphold  us, 
and  do  us  all  the  good  we  need.  I  will  still  wrestle  and 
pray  for  the  descent  of  the  blessing  of  God  upon  my  dear 
family, 

It  is  now  meeting  time  and  must  I  close.  O,  when 
will  Christians,  and  ministers,  too,  get  their  eyes  open,  so 
as  to  see  where  they  are,  and  learn  to  work  as  they 
should,  for  it  behoves  them  to  be  workers  with  Christ, 
in  the  salvation  of  this  dying  world.  Pray  much  for  me. 
I  shall  be  home  as  soon  as  is  consistent  to  leave  here,  if 
the  Lord  will.     Love  to  all. 

In  haste,  yours  affectionately, 

L.  A.   WICKES. 


MORRISTOWN,  Nov.  2,  184I 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  \\ "tfe: 

I  preached  to  the  converts  on  Sabbath  afternoon,  and 
there  were  something  over  one  hundred  and"  twenty-five 
who  took  their  seats  together  and  gave  their  names  to 
unite  with  the  different  churches,  which  is  a  much  larger 
number  according  to  the  number  of  those  who  attended, 
than  any  other  meeting  in  the  count)';  and  according  to 
the  help  which  I  have  had,  i.  e.,  man's  help,  Morristown 
never  saw  such  a  day  as  this  before.      A  large  number 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  135 

are  heads  of  families,  and  many  of  the  first  men  of  the 
town  have  been  sharers  in  the  work,  and  at  this  moment 
there  are  some  twelve  or  fifteen  family  altars  in  the  village, 
when  there  were  only  two  at  the  commencement  of  the 
meeting,  and  there  are  a  large  number  in  the  town.  There 
are  more  old  gentlemen  brought  into  the  fold  of  Jesus 
here  in  proportion  than  at  any  other  place.  I  expected 
to  close  Sabbath  afternoon,  and  as  soon  as  I  got  through 
the  exercise  a  motion  was  made  that  they  would  lay  aside 
all  their  temporal  affairs  that  were  possible  and  attend 
the  meeting,  so  long  as  the  providence  of  God  seem  to 
indicate  that  it  shall  continue,  if  I  would  only  stay  longer, 
and  a  very  large  part  of  the  congregation  rose  and  voted 
for  it,  and  a  large  number  of  impenitent  among  them,  and. 
there  have  been  some  hard  cases  come  to  the  Lord  Jeuss 
since  the  Sabbath,  and  how  long  I  shall  stay  I  cannot 
say.  But  I  do  feel  so  that  I  cannot  rest,  yet  I  do  feel 
that  I  want  to  do  what  is  right  and  for  the  honor  and 
glory  of  God,  and  then  I  know  He  will  take  care  of  us.  I 
must,  however,  seek  His  favor  and  His  pleasure  and  leave 
events  in  His  hands.  I  have  heard  that  the  work  is  still 
going  on  in  Canton,  and  souls  are  every  day  bowing  be- 
fore the  Lord.  May  it  continue  to  ride  on  gloriously 
over  all.  O,  what  a  blessed  and  glorious  privilege  it  is 
for  us  to  be  permitted  to  be  laborers  in  so  glorious  and 
holy  a  cause.  I  am  aware  I  do  not  value  the  work  as  I 
should  do,  and  the  privilege  as  I  should  of  seeing  souls 
bow  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  and  made  heirs  of  immortal 
glory.  Truly,  how  unworthy  I  am  and  sinful,  and  how 
vile  a  being  I  am;  every  day  I  see  more  and  more  cause 
for  me  to  humble  myself  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  to 
cry  unclean. 


136  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Nov.  4th.     The  stage  went  out  before  I  had  time  to 
mail  this,  and  so  I  have  opened  to  say  the  work  goes  on 
Morristown,      most  gloriously  yet,  though  it  has  been 
Nov.  2,  1841.     the  three  days  of  election  yet  the  spirit  of 
God  has  been  working  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  town 
and   many  more  have  bowed   to   Christ   since   I   wrote 
above,  and  I  have  been  all  along  making  my  calculation 
to  close,  at  the  farthest,  to-day,  yet  there  will  be  an  un- 
certainty about  that.     For  though  the  people  have  been 
at  meeting  for  near  a  month,  they  are  unwilling  to  stop 
yet.     But  when  I  do  see  the  least  indication  that  it  would 
be  the  will  of  God  that  I  should  close,  I   shall  not  tarry 
long  here.     Every  day  there  are  new  altars  erected  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  I  must  say  that  the  work  is  the 
most  genuine  in  its  appearance  of  any  that  I  have  seen. 
Confessing   their  guilt  and  their  opposition   to  the  work 
and  to  God,  and  asking  forgiveness  of  all.     I  do  want  to 
see  the  churches  understanding  their  duty  to  God  and  to 
one  another  more,  so  they  will  be  able  to  lead  each  other 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord.     They  are  often  most  unskillful. 
But  still  I  have  some  hopes  they  will  learn  more  and  still 
more  of  the  arts  of  war  in  this  great  battle  field.     Yester- 
day I  had  an  invitation  to  go  and  hold  a  meeting  in  the 
Methodist  church  within  about  five  miles  of  Ogdensburg, 
but  I  could  give  them  no  encouragement  at  all,  for  I  have 
agreed  t<>  be  at  Parrishville  on  the  17th  inst.  unless  they 
alter  it,  and   the  church  in  DeKalb  are  anxious  I  should 
get  there  as  soon  as  possible,  and   the  people  in   Madrid 
are  rather  expecting  me  to  come  there  as  soon  as  possible, 
yet  this  last  place  I  have  some  doubt  about.     Wherever 
the  Lord  sends  me  I  am  read}-  to  go,  for  he  will  go  before 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  137 

me,  and  I  shall  find  Him  a  help  in  all  times  of  need.     Do 
pray  much  for  me  and  for  this  place. 

Yours  affectionately. 

L.  A.  Wickes. 


To  My  Little  Daughters  : 

I  want  you  to  become  good  children.  Be  very  kind 
to  your  dear  mother  and  to  all.  Learn  as  fast  as  possible. 
I  wish  you  were  here  with  me  to  see  this  river.  The  St. 
Lawrence  in  some  places  is  three  miles  wide,  probably 
the  largest  river  in  the  world,  though  not  as  wide.  The 
prospect  is  beautiful.  But  I  must  close.  Give  my  love 
to  all.     I  hope  to  see  you  soon. 

Your  affectionate  father, 
L.  A.  Wickes. 


MORRISTOWN,   Nov.  2,  1841. 

Dear  Brother  Cross  : 

To  Mr  Cross     I  have  but  a  moment  to  say  a  word.    God  is 

to  come  to      at  work    in   this    place,  and    I    am  almost 

Morristown.     worn  out,   yet  salvation    is    flowing  like    a 

deluge,  and    the   work   is    the    most    like    the  work    of 

Norfolk  of  any  that  I  have  seen  this  season  according 

to    numbers     of    the    population.       Last     Sabbath    I 

preached  to  the  converts,  and  there  were    125  took  their 

seats  together,  and  the  feeling  was  such  that  there  was  a 

voluntary  vote  that  they  would  lay  aside  every  temporal 

work  that  was  possible,  and  attend  the  meeting  as  long 

as  the  providence  of  God  should  point  out  duty.     Now, 

my  brother,  I  want  your  help,  come  here  to-morrow  even- 

9 


138  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OK 

ing,  with  the  calculation  to  stay  over  the  Sabbath  if  pos- 
sible. The  meeting  will  not  hold  longer  than  that  prob- 
ably. You  shall  not  be  the  loser  in  anything.  Your 
church  surely  cannot  say  no.  My  Brother,  do  come,  I 
pray  you.     Start  as  soon  as  you  get  this. 

In  haste  your  Brother  in  Christ, 
L.  A.  WICKES. 

P.  S. — Call  at  Brother  Taylor's  at  DeKalb  as  you 
come  and  see  if  he  has  got  my  pocket  Bible,  and  bring  it 
with  you,  when  you  come.  Enquire  for  Rev.  Mr.  Wil- 
liams who  lives  opposite  the  Episcopal  church. 

L.  A.  W. 

Stows  Square,  Nov.  nth,  1841. 
Dear  and  Affectionate  Parents: 

I  sent  you  a  letter  by  Mr.  M.  from  Morristown  on  the 
eve  of  my  departure,  from  that  place  home.  I  arrived 
at  this  place  on  Tuesday,  the  9th  inst.,  being  absent 
nearly  two  months.  I  found  all  in  comfortable  health. 
I  found  C.  clown  stairs  with  a  babe  in  her  arms  two 
weeks  old,  1  a  little  daughter),  both  doing  finely.  Thus 
you  see  the  Lord  has  smiled  upon  us  again  and 
showed  us  his  favors.  Truly,  God  evinces  His  care  for 
those  who  put  their  trust  in  Him,  and  will  sustain  those 
who  will  obey  and  trust  in  Him.  and  may  we  ever 
show  ourselves  worthy,  through  Jesus,  of  the  favors 
God  does  bestow  upon  us.  Why  God  has  dealt  with 
us  as  He  has  for  the  last  year  we  do  not  pretend  to 
say,  or  even  desire  that  the  future  should  be  open  to 
us:    it  is  enough  for  us  to  know,  that  our  present  course 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  139 

is    pleasing    to  God,    and    secures  His    blessing.      You 
seem  rather  in    your    letter    to    think  that  it  would  be 
better  for  us  to    settle    in  some  place  if  we  could   find 
any.     There  are  some  seven  or  eight  churches  where  I 
could    find    a    permanent  place,  but    God    has    ordered 
different  for  us.     I  have  now   preached  in  two  different 
churches  for    nine    years,  and  all    the    time    I   have  felt 
that   I  wanted  to  get  out    into    the  more  laborious  life 
of  the  evangelist,  tho'  I  do  think  that    the    experience 
of  the  pastor's  life  has  been  one  of   the  greatest  bless- 
ings to   me,  to    prepare    me    for    this  work,  and    I    do 
most  sincerely  believe  that  the  place  which   I   have  now 
been  called  into,  is   one    that  God    has    placed     me  in, 
and    shall  I    play  Jonah    and    run    away  from  him?     I 
am  afraid  I  never    should    come    off  as  well    as  Jonah 
did.      While    I    love    my   friends    and    my  family,    and 
should  be  pleased  to  have  them  with  me  as  well  as  any 
one  could,  but  I  love  the  cause  of  Christ   more,  and  the 
providence  of  God  has  ordered  it  that  we  should  be  sep- 
arated for  a  short  season.     I  have  ever  felt  this  prevailing- 
principle  in    my  bosom  since  my  hopeful    conversion  to 
God.     "Lord    direct    me    into    the    path    of   usefulness." 
Does  my  dear  mother  recollect   the  conversation  which 
she  had  with   me  in    Elbow  Street  while   I  was  living  in 
sin?     It  was  this.     I  was  sitting   in   the  front  room,  and 
on  a  Sabbath  towards    evening    she  came  and  sat  down 
on  a   little   stool    and   leaned    upon   my  knee  and  began 
to  talk  with  me  about  my  soul,  and  among  other  things, 
she  said,  "My  dear  son   if  you  become  a   Christian,  you 
may  be  useful  in  the  world."     This  one  idea  had  more  in- 
fluence on  my  mind  than  anything  that  had  been  said  to. 
me  about  being  a  Christian,  to  turn  my  mind  to  be  favor- 


140  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

able  towards  the  Christian  life,  and  after  my  conversion, 
it  was  my  constant  reflection,  and  while  a  student,  while 
my  fellows  were  expressing  themselves  of  a  desire  to  be 
great  and  learned,  my  mind  and  my  greatest  wish  was  to 
be  useful  in  leading  souls  to  Christ,  and  since  I  have  been 
in  the  ministry,  I  have  endeavored  to  keep  this  before 
me.  Though  I  find  I  have  been  of  but  little  service  in 
the  church  during  my  life;  yea,  comparatively  nothing 
have  I  done  for  Him  who  has  done  so  much  for  me,  I 
feel  that  I  only  wish  to  honor  and  glorify  God  in  all  my 
course,  and  God  will  be  our  help  and  support. 

How  long  I  shall  continue  to  occupy  the  post  that  I 
am  now  in,  I  cannot  say.  I  may  another  year,  or  part 
of  the  year  At  any  rate  I  wish  to  obey  the  Lord  in 
everything,  and  I  do  earnestly  ask  you  to  pray  that  God 
will  direct  me.  Since  I  wrote  to  you  before,  I  have  been 
to  Canton  and  spent  three  weeks  besides  the  other  four 
weeks  which  I  spent  there  in  the  summer,  and  there  were 
some  60  or  70  conversions,  and  the  work  still  moves 
forward  and  every  week  more  or  less  are  hopefully  con- 
verted to  the  Lord.  I  left  there  for  Morristown  and  went 
around  by  Waddington,  about  20  miles  out  of  my  way, 
and  spent  one  day  there  and  held  meeting  one  day  with 
them  and  there  were  some  16  hopefully  converted  to  God. 
And  in  the  evening  there  were  some  six  or  eight  avowed  con- 
nection with  the  church  who  had  been  hopefully  converted 
during  the  protacted  meeting  there,  and  the  society  was  or- 
ganized and  some  fourteen  or  fifteen  hundred  dollars  raised 
toward  building  a  church  edifice.  The  Lord  has  done 
great  things  for  that  place  and  to  His  name  be  all  the 
glory  and  the  power,  for  He,  alone,  is  worthy  to  be  prais- 
ed.    The  ride  from  Waddington  to  Morristown  is  on  the 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  141 

banks  of  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  and  it  is  most  delightful 
to  see  the  wonder  of  the  Lord  in  uniting  so  many 
drops  of  water  and  with  such  force  as  in  some  places 
it  sweeps  forth  with  majesty  and  power. 

The  banks  of  the  river  above  the  water  are  not  high; 
in  some  places  they  are  quite  bold.     The  river  is  inter- 
spersed  with   one   thousand   islands     Some  are  covered 
with  forests  while  others  are  nearly  barren.     The  appear- 
ance of  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  is  very  delightful. 
The  crops  look  very  fine.     The  full  grain  had  gained  a 
.beautiful  appearance  from  the  hand  of  Him  who  nourishes 
every  spear.     The  foliage  had  just  begun  to  fall  from  the 
trees  and  change  their  hue,  and  warned  me  of  the  approach 
of  my  dissolving  nature.     The  distance  from  Waddington 
to  Morristown  is  thirty  miles,  and  passes  through   the 
village  of  Ogdensburgh.      On  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river  about  once  in  four  or  five  miles  there  is  a  church 
erected  of  some  kind,  and  occasionally  along  there  will  be 
a  round  wind  mill  for  grinding  grain.      It   was  in  one  of 
these  that  the  self-styled  patriots  took  refuge  in  the  late 
broils  and  from  which  they  were  carried  as  prisoners  to 
Fort    Henry;    it    stands   a  little   below    Prescott,   which 
village  is  opposite   Ogdensburgh.     Prescott   has  quite  a 
large  fort  and  considerable  of  a  village.     Ogdensburgh  is 
the  largest  village  in  the  county  and  is  a  business  place. 
They  have  two  steamboats  a  day  arrive,  and  depots  for 
water  privileges  are  very  great.     The  Indian  River  emp- 
ties into  the  Oswegatchie,  and  this  breaks  over  something 
of  a  fall  of  ioo  or   150  rods  above  the  mouth    where   it 
empties  into  the  St.  Lawrence  and  from  the  dam  above 
the  falls   there   is   a    very  swift  race  way,  and  on  this  are 
situated  a  large  number  of  mills  and  machine  shops.     At 


142  ELEE   AM)  LETTERS  OE 

present  the  moral  aspect  of  this  place  is  rather  lonely  and 
sad.  There  are  churches  there  of  the  four  evangelical 
denominations  and  all  equally  asleep.  I  pray  God  they 
may  be  aroused  from  their  apathy.  When  I  arrived  at  M — 
I  felt  very  sad  indeed.  There  were  in  the  village  forty 
families,  and  only  two  where  the  family  altar  had  been 
erected  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  it  was  given  to  sin  of 
almost  every  name,  yet  the  Lord  had  a  blessing  in  store 
for  that  people.  It  was  evident  soon  that  the  Lord  was 
moving  among  the  people,  and  soon  many  sinners  began 
to  enquire  what  they  should  do  to  be  saved,  and  enquiry 
came  from  man)- :  "  What  do  these  things  mean?  "  The 
church  belongs  to  the  old  school  assembly  though  a  large 
part  of  the  church  are  bitterly  opposed  to  it.  Yet  they 
would  watch  very  closely  to  see  what  would  be  said  and 
done  and  look  out  for  heresy.  They  soon  found  they 
had  enough  to  do  to  look  after  their  own  hearts,  and  to 
watch  their  own  evil  ways  and  doings,  and  began  to  feel 
they  must  work  for  souls  and  do  all  they  could  to 
save  sinners.  And  the  impenitent  were  now  trembling. 
At  the  commencement  there  was  only  one  professor  of 
religion  in  the  choir,  and  that  a  female.  The  choir  con- 
sisted of  about  thirty,  and  at  the  close  every  person,  with 
the  exception  of  one,  professed  hope  in  the  dear  Redeemer 
and  in  the  village  there  were  rising  of  twenty  family 
altars  erected,  and  in  the  town  something  like  fifty.  In 
most  cases  both  parents  were  brought  in  the  work  and 
hopefully  made  anew  in  Christ  Jesus.  Some  who  had 
been  the  bitterest  opposers  to  the  work  of  the  Lord  had 
been  made  to  bow  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  the  whole 
work  seemed  to  be  characterized  by  an  humble  confession 
of  their  great  sins  and  numerous  faults,  and  there  seemed 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  143 

to  be  a  child-like  spirit  in  the  whole  and  many  seemed  to 
have  the  greatest  desire  to  get  low  before  God  and  abase 
themselves  in  the  deepest  dust.  The  congregation  was 
small  to  what  have  attended  in  other  places.  Their  house 
would  seat  only  about  three  hundred,  though  we  crowded 
more  than  five  hundred  into  it.  There  were  something 
like  one  hundred  and  seventy  or  more  who  professed  to 
give  themselves  to  the  Savior.  Truly,  the  Lord  shall  be 
praised  for  all  His  wonders  which  He  hath  wrought  in 
that  place.  The  meeting  lasted  thirty-two  days  (a  little 
over  a  month),  and  the  interest  continued  to  increase 
more  and  more  until  the  last  amen  was  pronounced,  and 
it  seemed  only  to  give  the  work  a  new  impulse.  The 
whole  region  is  truly  on  the  move  and  may  it  be  thus 
and  more  so,  until  every  soul  is  brought  to  bow  at  the 
feet  of  the  Savior.  Why  is  it  that  we  have  so  little  de- 
pendence on  God,  or  in  the  use  of  means  to  accomplish 
the  end  ?  O  !  may  God  forgive  the  unbelief,  and  awaken 
His  people  to  their  privilege. 

Hope  you  will  write  soon,  and  give  our  love  to  all. 

Your  affectionate  son, 

L.  A.  Wickes. 


CHAPTER  X. 


MEETING  AT  PARRISHVILLE. 


Parrishville,  Nov.  27th,  1841. 
Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

FTER  leaving  you  on  Monday  the  2 2d,  I  reached 
5  Mr.  Jackson's  in  C.  soon  after  dark,  and  tarried  with 
them  all  night.  I  found  their  children  quite  serious, 
and  inclined  to  listen  to  the  things  that  make  for  their  ever- 
lasting peace.  May  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  them.  I  took 
breakfast  and  fed  my  horse  at  the  Bend,  and  then  had  a 
most  muddy  ride  to  A.  Had  an  interesting  interview 
with  a  number  of  our  friends.  I  started  for  Richville 
where  I  arrived  between  seven  and  eight  in  the  evening. 
On  my  way  I  called  on  Brother  Stevens.  The  Lord  is 
at  F.  neighborhood.  Several  have  been  hopefully  con- 
verted, and  there  seemed  to  be  a  moving  among  the  "dry 
bones." 

When  I  arrived  at  Potsdam  my  horse  and  I  were  both 
tired  out,  and  Mr.  Parker,  the  teacher  in  the  academy, 
came  and  brought  me  up  here  in  his  buggy.  Kind  man 
may  the  Lord  reward  him.  I  did  not  arrive  here  until 
after  the  meeting  closed  on  Wednesday  evening  and 
found  myself  very  tired  and  wear}'.  There  was  no 
meeting  appointed  on  Thursday  morning.      In  the  P.  M. 

144 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  145 

I  found  some  twenty  or  thirty  persons  there,  and  some 
little  freedom  in  prayer,  some  little  confession  of  sin,  but 
there  is  much  to  be  done.  In  the  evening  I  preached 
from  "Search  me,  oh  God,"  etc.  There  were  quite  a 
goodly  number  out,  three  hundred  persons  or  more. 
The)-  were  mostly  attentive,  though  some  whispering  and 
running  out.  The  house  is  a  comfortable  stone  building, 
with  a  gallery  for  the  singers  over  the  porch.  The  building 
will  comfortably  seat  from  three  to  five  hundred  persons. 
The  pulpit  is  at  the  further  end  of  the  house,  is  easy  to  speak 
in.  There  is  a  small  bell  on  the  church,  a  basement,  not  fin- 
ished. Village  is  not  large.  It  is  situated  on  the  St.  Regis 
river.  Parrish  has  a  large  distillery  here,and  manufactures  a 
great  deal  of  the  poison.  Between  three  and  four  thous- 
and inhabitants  in  town  and  many  hard  hearts.  This 
morning  the  prayer  meeting  was  very  thinly  attended, 
and  resembled  the  commencement  of  the  meeting  in 
Massena.  I  find  there  is  much  to  be  done  here,  and  but 
a  few  to  do  it.  Last  evening  there  was  no  singing  at 
all  in  the  church.  I  am  one  hundred  miles  away  from 
you  on  the  field  of  battle.  The  people  are  not  prepared 
for  the  meeting.  I  hope  you  will  pray  much  for  me  and 
for  this  place.     I  must  close  and  go  to  church. 

Yours  in  haste, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 
A  Birthday  letter. 

PARRISHVILLE,  Lawrence  Co.,  Dec.  8,  1841. 


Being  the  commencement  of  the    34th  year  of  the  life 
of  Lewis    A.  Wickes,  eldest   son  of  Jonas  and   Sarah  B. 


146  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Wickes,  and  66th  year  of  the  American  Independence, 
also  the  tench  year  of  my  gospel  ministry,  and  eighth 
year  of  my  married  life  and  seventh  of  being  a  father. 


Dear  and  most  Affectionate  Parents: 

You  will  perceive  that  this  is  dated  away  from  my 
home  and  that  is  the  reason  why  I  cannot  write  you  as 
fully  as  I  have  been  accustomed  to,  on  the  occasion  of  the 
same  in  other  years,  for  I  am  in  .the  midst  of  a  protract- 
ed meeting  and  cannot  have  the  day  to  myself  as  I  have 
devoted  for  the  last  fourteen  years  of  my  life.  I  do, 
however,  suppose  that  you  will  expect  from  me  a  few 
lines,  and  you  shall  have  them  by  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord,  and  one  question  I  do  wish  here  to  ask.  Have 
you  another  child  who  gives  you  their  yearly  history?  or 
even  a  synopsis  of  it  ?  This,  however,  has  been 
one  of  peculiar  providence  with  me  and  mine.  A  year 
ago  now,  my  health  was  such  that  I  had  almost  con- 
cluded to  give  up  preaching  entirely,  and  follow  some 
other  occupation  of  life.  My  health  was  good  with  the 
exception  of  my  talking  machinery  which  I  was  told 
must  not  be  used,  and  for  about  two  of  the  first  months 
of  the  past  year  I  did  not  labor  much,  though  I  preached 
three  or  four  times  every  week.  I  felt  I  could  not 
drag  out  a  life  so  useless  and  so  barren,  and  feeling  the  pain 
from  my  lungs  .remove,  I  engaged  to  hold  a  meeting  of 
days  with  the  church  in  Richville.  Before  the  time 
came  I  was  attacked  with  a  severe  cough.  Being- able 
to  ride  I  went  on  the  day  appointed  to  tell  them  I  was 
not  able,  but    yet  to    do  what    I  could  to    advance  the 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  147 

cause  of  the  Lord,  and  expecting  if  I  went  forward  that 
I  should  go  to  my  grave.  I  commenced  the  meeting 
amidst  a  hoarse  cough  and  shortness  of  breath,  and 
would  preach  and  cough  and  cough  and  preach,  and  dur- 
ing the  first  sermon  I  suppose  near  one-quarter  of  the 
time  was  spent  in  coughing  and  raising.  But  my  cough 
.  soon  began  to  give  way  and  I  to  feel  more  encouraged 
I  preached  three  times  every  day  for  three  weeks  in  suc- 
cession and  my  cough  was  all  gone.  In  the  mean  time 
I  made  use  of  the  lung  tube  and  Dr.  Jane's  India  Expec- 
torant, and  from  that  time  you  have  had  something  of  a 
clue  to  my  engagements  and  how  I  have  spent  my  time. 
Suffice  it  to  say  that  only  by  grace  I  am  what  I  am, 
and  it  is  the  Lord  that  has  been  my  help  and  my 
strength,  and  by  His  power  I  have  done  what  I  have. 
And  yet  I  feel  that  much  more  might  have  been  done.  I 
have  during  the  year  preached  about  five  hundred  and 
twenty-five  sermons,  besides  a  large  part  of  the  other  exer- 
cises connected  with  it.  Also,  I  have  held  rising  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  prayer  and  inquiry  meetings  in  which  I 
have  done  more  labor  than  to  preach  a  sermon  of  com- 
mon length.  In  these  I  have  witnessed  the  hopeful 
conversions  of  between  fourteen  and  fifteen  hundred 
■  A  remarkable  num-  souls  to  the  Savior.  Of  these  between 
tf^lft"  «"»  a»d  fivc  hundred  were  heads  of 
Christ.  families,  and  quite  a  number  were  over 

seventy  years  of  age.  To  the  Lord  be  all  the  glory; 
to  Him  I  will  ascribe  thanksgiving,  and  honor,  and 
glory,  and  all  that  is  within  me.  I  will  call  upon  to  give 
to  Him  glory  and  praise  for  all  His  wonderful  acts  to 
vile  and  sinful  man  !  Oh,  how  unworthy  am  I  for  all 
that  He  has  done  with  me.     Shall  the  saw  boast  himself 


148  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

over  htm  that  shaketh  it?  Surely  not.  "He  that  hon- 
oreth  Me  him  will  I  honor.'  During  the  same  time  I 
have  traveled  rising  of  nine  hundred  miles  besides  the 
walking  to  and  from  meetings,  and  now  I  feel  fully  as  well, 
if  not  better  than  I  did  last  year  when  I  commenced 
and  have  grown  corpulent  all  the  time.  I  have  been 
confined  to  my  room  two  days',  under  the  care  of  a  phy- 
sician during  the  year.  Truly,  I  can  say,  "  Oh,  to  grace 
how  great  a  debtor  daily  I'm  constrained  to  be."  And 
what  an  account  I  must  give  at  the  last  for  the  non-im- 
provement of  the  blessings  God  has  conferred  upon  me. 
Oh,  for  a  heart  more  devoted  to  the  service  of  God  and 
to  advance  the  cause  of  the  blessed  Savior.  During  the 
year,  too,  I  have  left  the  people  of  my  charge  in  Antwerp 
in  opposition  to  their  most  earnest  request.  What  the 
result  may  be  I  cannot  say,  but  hope  it  may  be  for  the 
good  of  souls.  So  far,  I  think  I  have  done  what  is  right 
and  pleasing  to  God,  in  regard  to  that.  This  year  I 
have  also  refused  to  accept  an  invitation  from  the  church 
in  X.  to  become  their  pastor  and  what  the  consequence 
may  be,  I  do  not  know,  but  hope  for  the  best,  both  to 
them  and  also  to  myself  and  family.  This  year  I  have 
organized  a  church;  the  first  that  I  have  ever  organized 
and  assisted  to  one  other.  This  year  I  have  assisted  in 
organizing  a  Congregational  society  and  the  foundation 
for  a  meeting  house  to  be  built  at  W.  I  have 
broken  up  keeping  house  for  the  present.  This  year,  too, 
I  have  become  the  father  of  the  third  child,  a  sweet  little 
daughter.  Thus  we  feci  that  heaven  has  smiled  upon  us 
and  been  our  protector  and  support.  If  the  Lord  spares  her 
life,  I  hope  she  may  be  an  ornament  in  the  cause  of  Christ, 
and  that  she  may  earl}'  be  taught  the  knowledge  of  God. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   VVICKES.  1-t!) 

This  year,  too,  I  have  by  the  blessing  of  God,  arrived  at 
that  post  when  I  can  say  I  owe  no  man  anything  but  love, 
(i.  e.)  I  have  the  means  as  soon  as  I  can  attend  to  it, 
for  which  I  am  thankful  to  my  blessed  Savior,  for  I  have 
long  been  perplexed  with  debt, and  when  can  I  be  thank- 
ful enough  for  all  His  kindness  to  me?  Eternity  itself 
will  only  be  long  enough.  And  as  a  family,  we  feel  we 
have  much  to  do  to  honor  Him,  and  we  want  greater 
love  to  do  it.  Since  I  wrote  you  I  have  traveled  one 
hundred  miles  on  horseback  to  this  place,  and  com- 
menced a  meeting.  There  seems  to  be  some  good  feeling 
and  a  great  deal  of  bad.  The  church  is  in  a  most 
wretched  condition.  They  have  been  by  the  ears  for  some 
eight  or  ten  years,  and,  also  an  unholy  feeling  between  dif- 
ferent denominations,  and  seems  like  bringing  great  rocks 
together  and  neither  want  to  give  way, and  both  must.  It 
has  been  so  far  a  heavy  lift  indeed,  but  many  have  turned 
to  the  Lord  and  the  whole  community  have  seemed  to 
be  more  or  less  affected  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  almost 
Christians.  I  pray  God  they  may  be  inclined  to  turn  to 
him  and  that,  too,  with  all  the  heart.  There  have  been 
several  protracted  meetings  held  here,  and  some  good 
has  been  done.  But  the  impenitent  have  become  very 
hard,  and  there  is  a  Death  Pit  in  the  midst  of  the  Vil- 
lage, (Distil /cry ),  and  this  poisons  all  that  is  lovely  or 
may  be  useful.  There  is  one  tavern,  three  or  four  stores 
and  groceries,  and  two  school  houses,  two  churches  and 
some  few  shops  of  the  various  mechanics,  etc.,  etc. 
There  is  rather  a  low  state  of  morals  and  a  most  vile  set 
of  young  people,  though  there  is  rather  a  better  set 
among  them.  There  is  but  little  refinement  among  any, 
and  yet  they  have  souls  to  save  or  to  lose,  and  they  are 


150  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

just  as  much  worth  saving  as  anybody's,  and  I  do  pray 
the  Lord  they  may  be  brought  at  the  foot  of  the  cross. 
In  view  of  the  dealings  of  God  with  me  I  feel  that  it 
becomes  me  to  renew  my  consecration  to  the  service  of 
God,  and  to  promote  the  cause  of  Christ  on  earth.  I 
feel  anxious  to  hear  from  you  all  to  know  how  they 
are  growing  in  the  Divine  life.  I  must  close.  I  do  hope 
when  you  have  a  nearness  to  the  throne  ryou  will  re- 
member me.  Do  pray  much  for  me,  that  I  may  live  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross.  Remember  me  to  all  the  dear 
brothers  and  sisters,  and  ever  praying  that  1  may  be  an 
ornament  to  your  gray  hairs,  I  subscribe  myself  to  you, 

Your  affectionate  son, 

LEWIS  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


REVIVAL  IN   DE  KALB. 


DE  Kalb,  January  7,  1842. 
My  Dear,  Affectionate  Wife: 

O  Usee  by  this  that  I  have  finally  got  to  the  region 
of  rocks,  and  have  commenced  the  meeting  here. 
Things  are  very  forbidding  and  very  unpleasant  as 
yet,  and  it  is  very  doubtful  how  long  the  meeting  may  con- 
tinue. Should  have  been  home  this  week  had  it  not  been 
judged  best  to  continue  this  meeting,  or  rather,  to  commence 
it.  The  most  of  the  members  of  this  Presbyterian  church 
that  have  attended  the  meeting  at  any  onetime  is  SIX  !! ! 
And  since  I  have  got  here  I  have  learned  that  not  more 
than  one  third  of  them  will  be  able  to  come  to  the  meet- 
ing at  all.  They  either  are  at  such  a  distance  they  cannot 
come,  or  they  are  sick,  or  else  superannuated,  or  have  a 
disease  about  the  heart,  which  is  very  prevalent  in  cold 
regions.  I  have  given  this  day  to  decide  the  case  whether 
or  not  they  will  go  forward  with  all  their  might  and 
power.  I  will  let  you  know  in  a  few  days  again  if  the 
prospects  are  more  favorable.  I  knew  not  how  long  I 
should  be  at  Parrishville,  for  the  meeting  held  about  two 

151 


152  LIFE    AND  LETTERS    OF 

weeks  longer  than  I  expected  it  would;  but  the  Lord 
came  off  with  a  glorious  victory.  There  were  something 
like  130  to  150  hopeful  conversions.  To  God  be  all  the 
glory  and  the  praise  and  the  power,  for  He  alone  is 
worthy.  The  field  of  labor  was  one  of  the  most  forbid- 
ding of  any  that  I  was  ever  acquainted  with.  The 
churches  were  in  a  most  miserable,  wicked  state,  and  it 
took  a  long  time  to  kill  all  the  corruption,  and  now  it  may 
come  to  life  again.  But  may  the  Lord  forbid,  and  cause 
His  spirit  to  flow  upon  them  yet.  The  meeting  closed 
on  the  evening  of  the  2d  day  of  January,  1842.  On 
Monday  I  came  to  Potsdam  and  preached  in  the  after- 
noon to  a  few  who  had  assembled  for  the  day  of  fasting 
and  prayer  for  the  world's  conversion.  I  called  at  our 
friend's,  Mr.  Raymond's,  and  there  is  a  great  vacancy  in 
that  dear  family  by  death.  It  is  our  friend  Mrs.  Raymond 
herself.  She  died  on  the  last  Monday  of  December. 
She  was  taken  on  Friday,  on  Saturday  she  called  for 
medical  aid,  and  on  Monday  eve  she  fell  asleep  in  Jesus 
DeKalb,  1842.  and  was  buried  on  the  last  Wednesday  of 
the  year.  It  was  a  great  loss  to  all,  and  especially  to  the 
family.  Mr.  Raymond  feels  it  very  sensibly.  She  rests 
from  her  labors.  How  God  has  protected  us  whilst 
others  have  gone  to  inherit  the  promises.  May  we  so 
spend  our  lives  as  to  advance  the  cause  of  our  blessed 
Redeemer.  In  the  evening  I  came  to  Canton  and  there 
preached  to  a  large  congregation.  Found  things  there 
quite  interesting,  and  many  souls  in  this  place  were 
inquiring  what  they  should  do  to  be  saved.  Found  one 
individual  trying  to  take  shelter  under  the  doctrine  of 
universal  salvation  without  confessing  her  sins.  Oh, 
what  a  delusion  !     But  the  Lord,  we  trust,  has  saved  her 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  153 

from  so  fatal  a  fall.  What  debtors  to  grace  we  are ! 
Debtors  daily.  Oh,  how  great  His  loving  smiles  have 
been  over  us!  Truly,  by  "grace  are  we  saved  through 
faith,  and  that  not  of  ourselves;  it  is  the  gift  of  God."  I 
do  really  want  to  see  my  family.  The  people  live  so 
scattered  over  this  town  that  if  it  was  consistent  I  would 
have  them  with  me  wherever  I  go.  But  the  will  of  the 
Lord  be  done;  and  may  we  ever  seek  His  honor.  Kiss 
all  the  little  ones  for  me.  Write  soon  as  possible  and  let 
me  know  how  all  are. 

In  haste,  your  husband, 
L.  A.  WlCKES. 

HERMON,  February  I,  1842. 
My  Affectionate  and  Dear  Wife  : 

You  have  no  doubt  looked  for  me  ere  this,  as  I  expected 
to  be  at  home  during  the  month  of  January  to  pay  a  visit 
to  our  friends  at  Watertown.  I  did  expect  to  close  the 
meeting  in  DeKalb  a  week  ago  last  Sabbath,  but  the  state 
of  things  was  such  that  I  found  it  would  be  difficult  to  close 
and  it  was  continued  another  week  and  closed  on  the  last 
Sabbath  in  January.  There  were  something  like  seventy 
or  eighty  hopeful  conversions  to  God,  and  to  His  name 
be  all  the  glory  and  the  power.  In  some  respects  it  was 
as  forbidding  as  I  ever  had  before  me.  The  state  of  the 
church;  the  distance  from  the  meeting-house  (I  boarded 
a  mile),  the  prejudices  against  each  other,  together  with 
the  unprepared  state  of  the  Christian  community,  were 
barriers  that  were  great  to  be  overcome.  But  the  Lord 
has  kindly  overlooked  and  has  been  the  faithful  God  to 
10 


154  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

foigive  their  transgressions  when  they  humbled  them- 
selves. There  were  quite  a  large  number  of  those  who 
Hermon,  expressed  hope  in  this  town  (Hermon), 
Feb.  l,  1S42.  and  the  state  of  feeling  in  this  place  was 
such  that  we  thought  it  best  to  spend  a  few  days  in  this 
place — some  five  or  six  days — and  I  do  not  know  but  all 
is  right.  I  felt  it,  perhaps,  duty  to  come  here  a  few  days. 
February  2d.  When  I  arrived  here,  there  was  a  severe 
rain,  and  supposed  the  house  would  be  rather  thinly 
filled,  but  it  was  literally  crammed.  They  have  nothing 
but  a  large  school  house  to  meet  in,  and  it  cannot  be  had 
only  in  the  evening.  The  Lord  opened  a  door  of  hope 
by  bringing  an  excommunicated  member  from  the  Pres- 
byterian church  back,  and  he  opened  his  house  for  day 
meetings  and  the  whole  community  turned  out  and  made 
seats  for  the  accommodation  of  some  1 50  persons,  and 
the  house  is  thronged.  This  is  the  second  day  of  the 
meeting  and  there  were  six  or  seven  hopeful  conversions 
and  backsliders  reclaimed,  and  there  seems  to  be  a  sound 
of  an  abundance  of  rain,  and  some  conversions  of  men 
seventy  years  old.  I  feel  this  whole  region  may  be 
shaken,  and  hundreds  may  be  brought  at  the  foot  of  the 
cross.  May  the  Lord  grant  it  for  his  name's  sake.  Some 
three  or  four  Universalists  have  been  brought  to  bow  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  it  is  shaking  the  whole  region. 
There  are  only  five  family  altars  in  the  place.  May  the 
Lord  have  mercy  on  the  people,  and  pour  out  His  spirit 
upon  them.  My  abode  is  with  a  Mrs.  Green,  a  member 
of  Brother  Taylor's  church  in  DeKalb.  Her  husband  and 
hired  girl  have  both  been  hopefully  converted  during  the 
meeting  here.  She  appears  a  good  sister  in  Christ,  and 
a  woman  of  prayer.* 
*  Since  deceased. 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  155 

I  have  now  some  half-a-dozen  urgent  requests  to  hold 
meetings  and  they  each  want  me  to  come  first,  and  what 
to  do  I  hardly  know ;  which  way  I  can  scarcely  say,  but 
I  do  think  duty  calls  me  home  before  going  to  either 
place.  Still  I  may  be  mistaken.  I  do  desire  to  do  what  is 
right.  How  the  Lord  does  bless  us,  and  what  debtors 
we  are  and  shall  always  be  to  Him.  Now,  how  does  my 
little  family  do.  I  feel  so  great  a  desire  to  see  them  that 
I  could  forego  almost  any  other  privilege  for  their  com- 
pany, except  it  may  be  the  salvation  of  souls  and  the 
glory  of  God. 

I  must  close.  I  cannot  tell  when  this  will  reach  you, 
or  when  it  will  be  mailed.  Kiss  the  dear  children  for  me. 
I  wish  you  all  to  be  like  the  whole  family  in  heaven. 

Remember  me  to  all.     A  short  adieu. 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


At    Hermon,  sick,  Feb'y  11,  1842. 

HERMON,  Feb'y  11,  1842. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

Being  bolstered  up  in  my  sick  bed  at  the  kind  and 
hospitable  abode  of  Mr.  O.  Green,  in  the  village  of  Her- 
mon, I  drop  you  a  line.  I  have  not  strength  enough  to 
write  but  a  line.  I  had  packed  up  my  valise  to  start  for 
home  last  Wednesday  morning,  but  the  morning  came, 
and  with  it  a  sick  morning.  I  had  an  engagement  to 
preach  a  funeral  sermon  at  DeKalb,  but  in  a  few  hours  I 


156  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

was  under  the  doctor's  care.  My  disease  is  "Bilious 
Pneumonia"  with  a  very  bilious  state  of  the  whole  sys- 
tem. The  doctor  thinks  that  with  care,  I  may  be  able 
to  leave  my  bed  and  room  in  a  week.  I  have  the  kindest 
of  care  from  Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  The  people  here  are  also 
very  kind  in  doing  all  in  their  power  to  make  me  com- 
fortable ;  truly  the  Lord  has  prepared  for  me  a  home 
among  strangers.  How  good  and  how  kind  is  my 
Heavenly  Father  to  one  so  unworthy.  But  I  must  be 
short  as  I  am  very  much  exhausted.  I  wish  brother 
Lewis  would  take  my  wagon  and  start  for  this  place, 
but  not  on  the  Sabbat  It,  and  if  you  are  able,  bring  the 
babe  and  come  with  him;  I  should  be  glad  to  have 
you  come.  My  horse  is  here  and  we  can  all  be  accom- 
modated on  the  return  home.  I  leave  this  entirely  with 
yourself.  It  may  be  I  shall  not  be  able  to  return,  but  my 
hope  is  in  the  Lord.  But,  I  must  stop  for  I  am  so  ex- 
hausted. My  labors  must  be  suspended,  at  least,  for  a 
season.  Pray  for  me  that  I  may  do  all  the  Lord's  will 
in  life  or  in  death.     Love  to  all. 

I  am  as  ever  your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Feb.  23d. 
Dear  Parents: 

I  have  an  opportunity  this  morning  of  sending  a  line 
to  P.  O.,  for  I  know  you  will  feel  anxious  how  Mr.  W.'s 
health  is.  He  is  very  weak,  yet,  we  think  gradually 
gaining.  Monday  he  sat  up  over  two  hours ;  yesterday 
a  little  longer.     Hope  he  will  be  able  to  have  his  clothes 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  157 

on  soon.  It  is  about  a  fortnight  since  he  was  able  to 
be  dressed.  Begins  to  have  a  little  appetite.  The  Lord 
is  very  kind  to  us ;  He  has  surrounded  us  with  His 
mercies,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  and  among  stran- 
gers. We  have  reason  to  bless  His  holy  name.  How 
soon  we  shall  see  you,  Providence  must  determine. 

Yours  affectionately. 

C.  WICKES. 


Stows  Square,  March  nth,  1842. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Parents: 

Your  letter  of  the  6th  inst.  to  Capt.  Wilcox  came  to 
After  his  sickness,  hand  yesterday,  in  which  you  express 
March  n,  1842,  the  desire  that  some  of  them  will 
Stows  Square.  wrjte  to  you  every  time  they  hear 
from  Lewis.  I  thought  perhaps  it  would  not  be.  entirely 
unwelcome  if  L.  should  answer  it  himself.  Though  I 
am  so  weak  my  penmanship  is  very  poor,  yet  mother 
can  decipher  the  almost  hieroglyphics.  You  may  be 
astonished  to  see  that  I  have  got  home  with  my  dear 
family;  but  just  as  soon  as  I  was  able  to  sit  long  enough 
to  ride  eight  or  ten  miles  I  started  and  was  about  two 
and  a  half  days  coming  home,  a  distance  of  sixty  miles, 
and  the  last  day  I  found  it  very  muddy  and  slow  trav- 
eling. My  disease  was  inflammation  of  the  lungs  to- 
gether with  a  high  degree  of  a  bilious  state  of  the  whole 
system,  produced  by  excessive  labor  in  crowded  houses 
where  the  atmosphere  was  very  much  confined,  and  tak- 


158  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

ing  cold  after  leaving  the  house.  I  preached  Tuesday 
evening  and  was  expecting  to  preach  a  funeral  sermon? 
and  then  start  for  home.  But  before  Wednesday  even- 
ing I  was  not  able  to  sit  up  a  single  moment.  My  life 
was  despaired  of  one  day  "only,  though  dangerous  for 
several  days.  But  by  the  blessing  of  God  I  do  feel  much 
better  and  am  better  but  extremely  weak,  as  of  course> 
I  must  expect  to  be.  And  now  with  all  our  little  ones 
by  the  blessing  of  our  Savior,  we  are  permitted  to  be 
together  in  our  room.  I  have  some  trials  in  my  mind  ; 
there  are  so  many  places  that  are  now  ripe  for  the  harvest 
and  begging  for  me  to  come  and  help,  and  so  eager  were 
they,  that  hearing  that  I  had  got  able  to  sit  up  a  little, 
they  came  with  carriages  to  carry  me  off.  If  it  was  only 
for  sitting  in  my  room  and  counseling  them  what  course 
to  take,  and  many  doors  are  open  to  me.  O,  for  humility 
to  meet  them  and  strength  to  sustain  me  in  the  work. 
How  long  before  I  can  resume  the  labors  I  cannot  say, 
but  if  it  is  the  Lord's  will  I  hope  it  may  be  soon,  yet  I 
am  reconciled  to  His  providence,  and  wait  for  His  lead- 
ings. I  find  it  has  been  good  for  me  to  be  afflicted.  I 
have  felt  to  review  the  past  of  my  life;  to  examine  the 
motives  which  have  led  me  to  the  ministry,  and  the 
truths  which  I  have  presented  to  mankind.  I  find  there 
is  much  wrong  in  my  heart.  How  little  of  the  spirit  of 
Jesus  have  I  possessed  in  comparison  with  what  I  ought 
to  possess  as  a  professed  minister  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Though  I  have  tried  to  keep  my  heart  some- 
where near  right,  yet  I  have  found  much  to  regret. 
Never  have  I  viewed  the  immense  responsibility  of  my 
station  as  I  have  during  my  short  sickness.  O,  how 
few  of  the  professed  ministers   of  Christ  feel  the  respon- 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  159 

sibility  of  the  station  they  hold.  An  ambassador  of  the 
Court  of  Heaven\  A  minister  in  the  stead  of  Jesus 
Christ !  That  he  speaks  not  himself  but  the  order  of  the 
Great  I  Am.  How  little  do  many  expect  their  words 
shall  have  any  lasting  and  permanent  effect.  May  the 
Lord  have  mercy  upon  them.  O,  how  awful  to  have 
garments  spotted  with  the  blood  of  souls,  for  not  being 
the  faithful  ambassador  of  Jesus.  O,  may  I  not  be 
found  there,  for  His  great  name's  sake. 

1  March  12th.  I  cannot  write  long  at  a  time  on  account 
of  weakness  and  headache,  though  I  feel  some  better  this 
morning,  for  which  I  will  adore  and  thank  my  heavenly 
Father.  How  little  is  this  world  worth.  How  short  a 
time  we  need  it.  Truly  "  man  wants  but  little  here 
below,  nor  wants  that  little  long."  While  we  consider 
heaven  as  being  the  place  of  the  greatest  delight,  why 
should  we  not  labor  to  be  more  like  the  heaven  which  we 
hope  to  be  our  final  resting  place?  How  strange  it  is 
that  we  tell  what  is  our  high  expectation  of  final  glory 
and  then  live  as  though  this  earth  was  to  be  our  long 
home,  or  as  if  heaven  was  a  place  of  sensual  delight.  I 
do  desire  to  see  more  of  Christ  in  my  soul,  and  to  have 
stronger  confidence  in  His  precious  promises.  For  this 
I  hope  my  dear  parents  will  ever  pray. 

13th.  Sabbath  afternoon.  To-day  is  the  first  time 
I  have  been  to  the  house  of  God  in  five  weeks.  I  have 
attended  church  twice  a  day.  It  made  my  heart  ache  to 
have  the  word  of  God  take  so  little  effect  on  the  hearts 
of  the  hearers,  and  a  servant  of  Christ  should  not  act  as 
a  gentleman  of  Christ,  to  sit  in  the  parlor  to  be  served 
and  waited  upon,  but  a  laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  our 
Lord.     Oh,  it   is  good  to  wear  the  yoke  of  the  Savior, 


160  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

whose  yoke  is  easy  and  whose  burden  is  light.  (Matt. 
II:  29,  30.)  Much  of  the  world  have  just  religion  enough 
to  make  them  miserable;  they  know  they  ought  to  live  for 
God,  and  yet  have  not  grace  enough  to  be  anything  but  a 
slave  to  themselves,  to  the  devil  and  to  the  world. 
I  hope  my  dear  parents  are  ripening  for 
that  heaven  where  they  hope  their  children  shall  meet 
them,  in  that  glorious  rest  that  remains  for  the  people  of 
God.     Love  to  all. 

I  am  your  son. 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


S tow's  Square,  March  31,  1842. 
Dear  Brother  Cros>: 

Extract  By  *ne  g°°d  hand  of  the  Lord  I  am  still  in  the 

from      ]anci  0f  the  living.     And  what  a  debtor  to  grace 

Letter  to  . 

Rev.  G.  -I  am  for  all  His  kindness  and  care  over  me,  and  yet 
Cross,  how  0ften  do  I  forget  the  Lord  I  love!  O,  this 
treacherous  heart  of  mine  !  How  much  it  needs  to  be  under 
the  control  of  the  Spirit  ot  God.  Hut  I  find  I  have  scarce 
any  control  at  all  over  myself.  Though  raised  from  the 
verge  of  the  grave,  yet  how  soon  I  lose  the  image !  Why  is 
it  so  soon  that  we  forget  how  we  stand  on  the  verge  of  the 
tomb  constantly?  Why  is  it  that  we  do  not  all  the 
time  do  as  the  psalmist  said  he  would:  "Walk  before  the 
Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living"?  How  much  of  our  lives 
would  be  changed  if  we  kept  the  Lord  always  before  us  ! 
What  lives  of  devotion  would  we  live!  and  how  the 
image  of  the  Lord  would  constantly  be  seen  in  our  place, 
and   standing  on  our  post.     I   do   not    know,  my  dear 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  161 

brother,  as  you  have  such  a  polluted  heart  to  deal  with, 
but  it  does  seem  to  me  that  I  must  sometimes  be  con- 
quered by  sin,  the  devil,  and  give  up  my  hold  on  my 
Savior.  And  I  verily  think  I  should  were  it  not  for  the 
thought  which  rushes  into  my  mind  that  it  is  the  Savior 
has  hold  of  me,  and  in  His  blood  there  is  perfect  safety. 
But  there  is  much  to  be  done  in  the  Savior's  cause,  and 
I  do  desire  in  some  little  measure  to  advance  the  cause. 
It  has  been  a  cross  to  me  to  think  of  what  is  needed  to 
'  be  done  in  the  cause  of  the  Lord  and  yet  have  my 
tongue  tied  up.  But  I  broke  away  night  before  last  and 
made  a  short  temperance  address,  and  felt  no  very  great 
inconvenience  from  it.  To  God  be  all  the  glory !  Now, 
dear  brother,  there  is  no  time  to  be  idle.  Death  is 
crawling  on  very  fast,  and  we  have  but  a  little  time  to 
do  a  great  work,  and  souls  are  fast  going  to  the  chambers 
of  death  and  how  can  we  sleep  or  be  idle  ?  O  !  may  we 
ever  be  found  on  our  post  as  faithful  watchmen  who 
watch  for  souls,  as  those  that  must  give  an  account.  I 
have  just  received  a  letter  from  Huvelton,  and  they  say 
they  are  all  waiting  for  me  to  come,  the  Spirit  of  God 
evidently  is  moving  among  the  people.  My  heart  aches 
to  get  once  more  into  the  field  and  work.  What  I  wish 
to  say  is  this,  my  strength  I  do  not  think  is  sufficient  to 
perform  my  accustomed  labor.  But  if  I  should  be  able 
in  the  course  of  two  or  three  weeks  to  go  there  will  you 
go  there  with  me  and  do  all  you  can  ?  It  does  seem  as 
though  it  was  the  time  to  strike  for  that  place.  I  will 
G.  Cross,  also  write  to  Brother  P —  and  he  will 
March  31,  1842.  come  also.  How  much  I  can  do  I  can- 
not say,  but  I  can  try,  and  I  will  be  the  stool-pigeon  to 
call  them   together  and   you   spring   the  net.      I   do  not 


1»)2  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

think  it  would  be  prudent  for  me  to  venture  alone  in  the 
conflict. 

Now,  I  wish  you  would  write  and  let  me  know  what 
you  will  do,  and  I  will  write  you  soon  again.  We  are 
all  enjoying  a  good  degree  of  health,  and  bless  God  for 
it.     Pray  for  me  and  mine. 

In  haste,  your  Brother  in  Christ, 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Stows  Square,  April  8,  1842. 
My  dear  Parents: 


OURS  was  received  theday  afterit  was  mailed,  andl 

From  Stows  was  rejoiced  to  hear    from  home  once 

Square  i, . 

to  Albany,    more.  Since  I  wrote  to  you  I  have  been 

gaining    strength,    so  [that     I    have    delivered    a    short 

temperance    address,    and    last     Sabbath    I     preached 

to    the    dear    people    of    this    place,    and    assisted    in 

a    communion    season.     My    chief  medicine    has    been 

the     axe    and     the     saw,    and     eat    what     I    wanted. 

This  course,  by  the  blessing  of  our  kind  Heavenly  Father, 

has  done  me  good.     I    shall   probably  start    soon  for  St. 

Lawrence   County,  N.  Y.,  where   by  the  blessing  of  the 

Lord  I  may  spend    the    year,  making    short    excursions 

home.     The  field  is  already  white   for    the  harvest,  and 

the  laborers  are  few.     May  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  send 

forth  laborers  into  His  harvest. 

Remember  me  affectionately  to  all.     All   join  in  love. 

Pray  for  me. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

163 


164  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

OGDENSBURG,  April  12,  1 842. 

Dear  Brother  Cross; 

In  the  name  of  our  Blessed  Lord,  whose  we  are,  I  do 
earnestly  ask  you  to  hasten  here  to  this  place.  The  peo- 
ple have  agreed  to  do  all  that  the  Lord  commands  them, 
and  now  we  want  to  see  you  here  with  the  whole  armor 
on,  and,  leave  your  family  as  the  soldier  leaves  to  go  into 
war.  You  are  aware  of  the  great  work  before  us,  and 
now  see  what  it  is  that  God  would  have  you  to  do. 

In  haste.     Pray  for  this  place,  and  for  your 

Brother  in  Christ, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


OGDENSBURG,  May  20,  1842. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife  : 

I  have  finally  arrived  here  in  the  chief  place  of  con- 
Letter  from  course,  and  where  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer 
Ogdensburg.  has  been  almost  looked  out  of  counte- 
nance, and  where  many  have  sold  themselves  to 
work  deeds  of  darkness,  but  where,  too,  the  cause  of 
the  Savior  has  had  some  most  strong  and  endearing 
friends.  I  arrived  here  last  evening  just  before 
sundown  and  came  unexpectedly  to  all.  The  news, 
however,  was  trumpeted,  and  a  pretty  large  congregation 
assembled.  I  preached  to  them  from  Ps.  139:  23 — "Search 
me,  O  God,"  etc.  There  was  quite  good  attention  and 
nothing  unfavorable  as   to  appearance,  but  yet   I  do  not 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  165 

feel  exactly  what  is  duty.  The  Baptist  meeting  held  in 
one  shape  and  another  for  eight  weeks,  and  forty-one  have 
been  baptized  by  them  as  the  fruits  of  the  work,  and 
some  few  more  hopefully  been  brought  into  the  fold  of 
God.  May  the  Lord  increase  their  number  and  add  to 
His  cause.  What  can  be  done  here  I  know  not.  I 
called  last  evening  before  preaching  on  Rev.  Mr.  S.  He 
appeared  quite  gentlemanly  and  kind,  but  does  not  like 
the  system  of  evangelist.  As  to  the  course  which  I  take 
he  had  no  objection,  if  I  was  a  pastor,  or  only  a  stated 
minister,  and  had  come  to  help  a  brother,  and  then  all 
would  be  well.  We  cannot  expect  much  help  from  that 
quarter.  The  Baptist  church  will,  and  their  minister 
will  co-operate  some,  and  pretty  heartily.  But,  my  dear, 
it  is  with  many  misgivings  that  I  do  undertake  this 
work,  both  as  to  body  and  to  soul.  I  feel  unprepared 
for  the  responsible  work  before  me.  O,  that  God  may 
direct  for  His  glory  and  for  His  honor.  I  came  by  the 
Bend  on  my  way  here,  and  did  not  stop  until  I  got  there. 
I  called  a  short  time  at  Philadelphia ;  their  meeting 
house  is  on  the  advance.  It  will  be  quite  comfortable 
and  neat  when  it  shall  be  finished.  I  arrived  at  A.  about 
sunset,  and  was  cheerfully  received  by  all.  Heard  Brother 
W.  preach  in  the  morning;  his  text,  Deut.  32:  9.  In  the 
afternoon  at  five  o'clock,  I  stood  once  more  in  the  place 
where  my  voice  had  so  often  been  heard,  where  old  asso- 
ciations were  weighty.  I  found  I  had  not  so  much  as  lost 
one  jot  of  affection  f  or  them.  The  congregation 
is  about  as  when  we  were  there.  I  visited  a 
few  families.  I  had  hard  work  to  get  away  on 
Tuesday,  in  the  evening,  I  preached  at  Richville;  not 
a  great  many  out.     Brother  Cross  came  on  with  me. 


166  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OK 

May  20.  Visited  our  friends  at  Hermon  ;  preached 
in  the  evening  to  quite  a  goodly  number.  We  came  to 
Brother  Cleghorn's  and  Brother  Cross  left  and  took  my 
horse  back  so  as  to  have  conveyance  here  next  week ; 
Brother  Cross  brought  me  down  here.  The  people  were 
very  anxious  to  have  me  come,  or  rather,  stop  at  Huvel- 
ton.  I  had  some  misgivings  to  know  what  duty  is,  but 
on  the  whole  have  got  here,  and  may  God  direct,  for  His 
own  glory,  what  shall  be  done.  As  to  my  health,  I  feel 
rather  poorly  this  morning.  I  have  taken  some  cold  and 
feel  very  sleepy ;  some  pain  in  my  head  and  ear.  If  I 
find  I  cannot  endure  the  fatigue  I  shall  stop.  But  the 
Lord's  will  be  done.  They  are  all  afraid  that  there  is  no 
house  sufficiently  large,  which  will  hold  the  people,  and 
O  !  what  a  responsibility,  truly,  rests  on  so  vile  a  worm 
as  I.  May  God  be  my  strength,  my  portion  and  my 
guide.  I  feel  the  need  of  more  prayer,  and  of  being  more 
broken-hearted  and  wearing  the  image  of  my  Savior 
more.  Do  pray  much  for  me.  This  afternoon  we  have 
a  prayer-meeting;  ma)-  the  Lord  be  with  us  !  And  what 
wilt  thou  have  me  to  do.  Oh  Lord  ?  A  minister  at  D — 
tells  me  that  within  nine  months  he  has  attended  fifty- 
two  funerals,  among  them  three  drunkards,  and  drunk  at 
the  time  of  their  death.     How  the  Lord  does  spare  us  ! 

Affectionately  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WlCKES. 


To  My  Daughter: 

To-day,  if  you  are  alive,   is   birthday  of  your  sixth 
year,  and  I  am  seated  in  an   upper  room  in  the  house  of 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICK.ES.  167 

May  20,  1842.      Rev.    I —    S — ,    at    O — ,     St     Lawrence 
Little  daugher      County.     I  feel  quite  lonesone  while  I  do 
Emma.  think  of  you  on  this  day.     If  it   was  the 

Lord's  will,  0,how  pleasant  it  would  be  to  have  the  privilege 
of  being  with  you  to-day !  Your  Pa  has  thought  a  good 
deal  about  you  since  he  left  home,  and  he  has  sometimes 
thought  he  should  not  see  you  again,  but  if  it  will  please 
the  Lord  I  hope  we  shall  meet  once  more.  I  have 
thought  how  you  are  spending  this  day,  and  how  long 
you  have  been  thinking  about  having  your  birthday  come 
and  then  what  you  was  going  to  do.  You  are  to-day 
six  years  old,  just  about  this  time  of  day  (four  o'clock), 
and  when  this  gets  to  you,  you  will  be  in  your  seventh 
year,  and  you  cannot  grow  any  younger,  and  you  are  six 
years  nearer  the  end  of  your  life;  six  years  less  to  live  in 
this  world;  six  years  less  before  you  must  go  where  there 
are  no  more  prayers,  no  more  asking  for  the  Savior's 
smiles.  And  then,  if  time  is  so  precious,  and  once  gone 
cannot  be  called  back,  how  you  should  love  the  Savior 
and  spend  your  time  as  you  will  love  to  meet  it  at  the 
end  of  the  year.  Perhaps  you  will  never  see  the  end  of 
the  seven  years  of  life.  Then  you  will  want  a  friend  that 
will  go  down  into  the  grave  with  you.  That  friend  is  the 
Savior.  Now  you  must  begin  to  be  a  little  woman. 
You  may  play  some;  you  may  read  some;  you  may  take 
care  of  your  little  sister  some  and  you  may  work  some, 
but  in  all  that  you  do  you  must  be  kind.  The  other  day 
when  I  was  coming  I  saw  two  little  girls  about  as  large 
as  A —  and  you,  and  they  were  walking  to  school  hand 
in  hand  and  they  made  a  very  pretty  curtesy,  and  they 
made  me  think  of  my  little  daughters,  and  I  thought  it 
looked  very  pretty  indeed,  and  while  I  have  been  writing 


Itj8  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

I  looked  out  of  the  window  and  saw  two  other  little  girls 
just  about  as  large  as  you,  too.     They  had  a  doll  carry- 
ing in   their  hands  between  them  and  I  thought  it  was 
another  little  girl  (for  it  was  about  as  large  as  little  S — 
was  when  she  was  borni,  but  they  soon  began  to  call 
each  other  "  black  niggers "  and  "  you  are  ugly "  and   I 
thought  how  unkind  and  how  unpleasant  such  little  girls 
do  look  !     Do  you   think  it  was  very  pretty,  and  which 
of  these  two  companies  would  you  choose  to  look  and  act 
like?     I  saw  little  lambs  playing  and  birds  singing,  and 
then  I  thought  my  dear  little  Emma  will  do  as  the  birds 
rather  than  follow  the  example  of  the  wicked  children. 
Odensbunr        I  think  more  about  you  than  I  ever  did 
May  20,  1842.      before  when  I  have  left  you.     The  Lord 
Birthday  to  little    has  raised  you  from  a  bed  of  sickness 
Emma.  an(j  ^  my  ^ear  ^jj^^  iove  Him  for  all 

His  kindness  to  you.  He  is  worthy  of  your  love.  Be 
very  kind  to  your  sister  and  affectionately  obedient  to 
your  ma.  I  want  you  should  write  to  pa  a  letter  and 
tell  how  you  do.  Love  to  all,  pray  and  read  the  Bible, 
and  be  a  good  girl,  is  the  prayer  of, 

Your  affectionate  father, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Mr.  \V —  invariably  kept  a  memorandum  of  text, 
time  and  a  remark  or  incident  connected,  of  which  the  fol- 
lowing specimens  copied  from  his  note  book  may  prove 
a  pleasant  and  profitable  reminder,  especially  to  those 
who  once  listened  to  him : 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES. 


169 


: 


TEXT. 
Ex.  xix :  5-8 
Josh,  vi :  44. 
John  xv  :  3. 
Address. 
Ex.  xix  :  5-8. 
And  being 

made  perfect. 
Ex.  xix :  5-8. 
Isa.  lii:  9. 

Ps.  cxxxix :  19. 

Gen.  xviii:  32 
Deut.  xxxii:  31. 
Gen.  xxviii:  19 
and  I  Sam.  hi :    > 
13-14. 


Jud.  v :  23. 


Jno.  vi :  4. 
Acts,   xvi:   30  I 
and  24-25.         S 
Amos  vi :  1. 

Neh.  ii:17. 

2  Chron.  vii:  14 

Isa.  lii:  1. 
Rev.  vi :  17. 
Heb.  xi :  30. 
Job  35:  30. 

Eph.  iv :  14. 

I  I 


TIME. 

May    1,  1842. 

"  1  4. 

"  1,  " 

"       8       " 
"     15,      " 

15,      " 


17, 

18, 

19, 

20, 
21, 


22. 

22. 
23, 
24, 
24, 

25, 

25, 
26, 

27, 

27, 

28, 


PLACE.  REMARKS. 

Martinsburg, 

Brick  school-house  in  Lowville. 
Stows  Square.     Maternal  Association. 
Antwerp. 

Richville. 
Hermon. 

Commencement  of  pro- 
Ogdensburg   <!    tracted    meeting    in    the 
i    Methodist  house. 


f  The  house  this  evening 
I  was  crowded  to  overflow- 
■{  ing.  The  Lord  has  helped 
me  to  preach  to-day.  To 
^  His  name  be  all  the  glory. 


\  Some  little  feeling.  A 
(  storm,  and  house  not  full. 
\  The  church  confession 
(  and  a  large  number  out. 
Things  more  encouraging. 


(       Some  more  feeling,  and 
(   all  day 


170 


LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 


TEXT. 

TIME. 

PLACE. 

Eph.  ii :  8. 

May  29,  1842. 

Ogdensburg. 

Isa.  xxviii :  16. 

"     29,      " 
"     29,      " 

.. 

•'    vi:   2. 

"    29,      " 

" 

"    xlv:  22. 

"    30,      " 

" 

Gen.  xxxii:  26. 

"    31,      " 

" 

Matt,  vi:  20. 

"     31,      " 

" 

Luke  xii:  20. 

June     2,      " 

» 

Ps.  xlix :  8. 

"        2,      " 

" 

Ex.  vi :  12. 

"       3,      " 

" 

Isa.  ix :  2. 

"       3,      " 

" 

Matt,  v:  20. 

3,      " 

" 

Luke  xiv:  23. 

"       4,      " 

" 

"      xxiv :  26. 

"       5,      " 

" 

Neh.  vi :  3. 

5,      " 

" 

Ps.  cxix :  9. 

"       5,      " 

" 

Ps.  lxvi :  13-14. 

"       6,      " 

« 

Ps.  xciv :  14. 

"       8,      " 

•' 

Ps.  cxix :  8-9. 

"       8,      " 

" 

Isa.  lxii:  2. 

"       7,      " 

" 

Prov.  viii:  36. 

"       7,      " 

" 

Jud.  vii :  26. 

"       9,      " 

" 

Rom.  vi :  23. 

"       9,      " 

" 

Rev.  ii:  21. 

"     10,      " 

" 

Isa.  lv:  3. 

•'     11,      " 

" 

Job  xvii :  15. 

"     11,      " 

" 

John  i :  29. 

"     12,      " 

" 

Ex.  xix:  5-8. 

"     12,      " 

" 

Matt,  xxiii :  37. 

"     12,       ' 

•< 

\  A  most  miserable  time  of 
<     preaching.  God  forgive ! 


This  in  afternoon. 
\       To-day  the  people  re- 
(   newed  their  covenant. 

\       This  was   by  request, 
(  and  notice  to  young  people 


Gen.  iv:  9.  "      13, 

Heb.  Xi:35.  "     14,      " 


God's  truth  took  hold,  etc. 
Talked  in  the  afternoon. 


\        A    covenant    for     the 
'   people,  nearly  unanimous. 
Mr.  Smart  here 

To-day  the  aspects 
<j  more  favorable.  The 
;    Lord  save  ! 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES. 


171 


TEXT.  TIME.  PLACE. 

Josh,  xxiv :  15.   June  15,  1842.     Ogdensburg. 


43.              '   ) 

'     16,      " 

John  xii :  43. 

'     16,      " 

James  v:  16. 

'     17,      " 

My  son,  give,  etc.   ' 

'     17,      " 

Rom.  i:  16. 

'     18,      " 

Talked. 

'     18,      " 

Heb.  v :  9. 

'     19,      " 

Josh,  xxiv:  22.       ' 
Luke  xiv :  22. 

19,       " 
'     19,      " 

\  A  new  vote  for  the 
'   continuation  of  meeting. 

Deut.  xxxii :  29.     ' 

'     20,      " 

Matt,  xii :  30. 

'     21,      " 

Eccl.  xi :  19. 

'     21,      " 

To-day  the  young. 

Matt,  xxi :  28. 

'     22,      " 

Isa.  lx:8. 

'     22,      " 

Heb.  iv:ll. 

•     23,      " 

Rom.  x:  21. 

23,      " 

Isa.  v:7. 

'     24.      " 

,  \  Eve.  Bio.  Layer — half- 
(   a-doz. 

Rev.  iii:  20. 

'     24,      " 

Jer.  xiii :  21. 

'     25,      '• 

,  \  The  girl  that  could  not 
(  rest,  etc. 

John  iii :  3. 

'     26,      " 

Rev.  ii :  11. 

'     26,      " 

'                  130  names  and 

John  vii :  37. 

26,      " 

Twelve  o'clock  closed. 

Ogdensburg,  June  rsf,  1842. 


My  Dear,  Affectionate  Love  : 

I  suppose  by  this  time  you  are  having  a  thousand 
conjectures  as  to  the  reason  why  I  have  not  written,  yet, 
you  know  enough  about  my  engagements  to  know    that 


172  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

I  have  not  been  at  play,  and  that  I  have  as  much  as  I 
can  do  to  attend  to  my  work.  Since  I  wrote  you  the 
Lord  has  been  with  us;  there  have  been  quite  a  number 
of  hopeful  conversions  of  the  aged  and  the  young, 
and  many  of  those  who  have  been  very  careless  and 
hard,  yet  the  great  sink  of  sin  is  not  by  any  means  de- 
stroyed. There  are  many  who  are  almost  convinced 
they  are  wrong,  yet  are  pursuing  the  wrong  course.  Still 
we  work  in  hope.  There  have  been  somewhere  between 
seventy  and  one  hundred  who  profess  to  have  given 
themselves  to  the  service  of  God.  To  God  be  all  the 
glory  and  the  praise,  for  He,  alone,  is  worthy  to  be  praised. 
I  think  that  when  I  wrote  you  before,  that  I  mentioned 
about  Rev.  Mr.  S.  not  being  willing  to  come  in.  He  has 
not  stepped  into  the  house  since  I  have  been  here,  and 
the  wicked  are  saying  they  will  not  go  to  meeting  if  Mr. 
S.  won't.  So  they  are  screening  themselves  behind  him, 
O,  fearful  responsibility  !  Yet  they  have  been  compelled 
to  say  the  Lord  is  in  our  midst,  and  have  as  a  church 
agreed  to  spend  the  hour  of  six  in  the  morning  to  pray  for 
the  success  of  the  meeting.  How  much  their  prayers 
may  avail  in  accordance  with  their  works,  I  know  not, 
but  I  am  afraid  it  is  dead  faith,  or,  at  least,  faith  without 
works.  And  yet  I  hope  it  may  be  like  Paddy  shooting 
the  squirrel — they  get  the  wrong  end  of  the  gun.  O, 
how  cruel  they  are  to  the  souls  of  the  impenitent ;  and 
they  will  see  it  when  it  may  be  too  late.  Some  of  the 
churches  come  in  and  take  hold.  There  have  been  some 
five  or  six  conversions  of  those  among  the  Episcopal 
church.  O,  what  a  winding  sheet  of  death  that  is;  may 
the  Lord  have  mercy  on  them.  The  meeting  they  had 
here  last  winter  left  things  in  a  most  unpleasant  state,  so 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  173 

that  the  whole  community  is  very  much  prejudiced 
against  these  efforts.  I  intended  to  close  up  the  meeing 
yesterday,  but  through  the  urgent  entreaties  of  all,  I  have 
concluded  to  stay  a  few  days  longer.  How  long,  I  am 
not  able  to  say,  but  there  is  "very  much  to  be  done 
here,  and  the  Lord's  power  is  only  sufficient  for  the  great 
work  to  be  done.  It  is  hard  to  bring  them  up  to  the 
work,  yet  I  am  in  hopes  there  will  yet  be  a  pretty  gen- 
eral display  of  His  power  here.  I  intended  to  have 
closed  the  meeting  here  yesterday,  but  the  people  volun- 
tarily said  they  would  do  all  that  the  Lord  commanded 
them,  and  they  would  do  everything  which  was  consistent 
for  them  to  do  to  establish  the  work  of  God,  and  so  I  have 
concluded  to  stay.  As  I  before  said,  if  I  close  on  the 
next  Sabbath,  I  think  I  shall  take  a  little  respite  and  at- 
tend the  Association  before  commencing  at  Huvelton. 
Love  to  all. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER  XIII 


MEETINGS  AT  HUVELTON  AND  DePUYSTER. 


HUVELTON,   July  2,  1 842. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife  : 

arrived  here  about  half  past  six  o'clock  and 
went  directly  to  the  church  and  preached  to 
about  sixty  or  seventy  persons.  A  female  took 
the  lead  of  singing.  The  Lord  helped  me  preach, 
though  I  was  very  tired  and  had  the  headache. 
God's  spirit  is  here  and  the  impenitent  are  enquiring 
about  their  soul's  salvation.  May  God  shower  down 
His  salvation  as  the  rain  is  descending  from  the  clouds 
upon  the  roof  above  my  head,  for  this  place  needs  it 
very  much  and  for  a  long  time.  I  am  now  seated  in  an 
upper  room ;  may  it  be  a  room  where  my  Savior  may 
meet  with  me.  This  morning  I  have  to  preach  a  funeral 
sermon  for  a  young  woman^whom  they  hope  has  gone 
to  the  bosom  of  love.  How  long  before  I  may  have 
mine  preached  by  others  I  know  not.  O,  may  I  be  pre- 
pared for  that  hour.     Let   us   love  God  in  sincerity  and 

174 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  175 

in  truth.  I  must  now  go  to  the  prayer  meeting.  I  shall 
have,  I  expect,  but  little  ministerial  help  here,  though  I 
am  in  hopes  to  see  some  of  my  dear  brethren  here,  but 
above  all,  I  do  want  to  see  my  Savior  here  and  follow 
close  to  Him.  Monday  morning,  4th  of  July. 
Funeral  sermon  of  Saturday  had  a  blessed  effect  on 
many.  My  text,  "Set  your  affections  on  things  above, 
not  on  things  on  the  earth,"  Col.  3:  2.  To  God  be  all 
the  praise,  honor,  and  the  glory.  God's  word  will  have 
the  desired  effect  when  it  is  spoken  and  heard  with  faith. 
Saturday  evening  the  Lord  was  in  our  midst  ami  some 
felt,  who  had  ever  been  hardened  and  obstinate.  Yes- 
terday there  was  a  large  gathering  from  all  places,  and 
much  of  the  spirit  of  Heaven  seemed  to  be  in  the  con- 
gregation This  morning  the  Lord  has  been  with  us  in 
our  family  devotion,  and  one  soul,  a  young  woman  of 
about  fifteen  years,  we  hope  has  given  her  heart  up  to 
God  and  made  herself  a  willing  servant  of  the  Lord 
through  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  May  it  be  the 
commencement  of  a  better  state  of  things,  and  of  salva- 
tion flowing  to  this  entire  community.  To-day  I  have 
exercises,  as  on  other  days  so  as  to  help  people  at  home, 
and  to  exert  a  happy  and  blessed  influence  over  them. 
Afternoon  : — We  had  a  very  interesting  meeting  this 
morning;  some  seven  or  eight  rose  for  prayers — some 
fathers  and  mothers,  and  some  say  they  will  serve  the 
Lord.  May  the  Lord  seal  their  hearts.  This  afternoon 
I  had  a  good  congregation  and  gave  the  national  ser- 
mon, Jer.  18:  4-10. — "Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord 
he  was  in  our  midst."  Some  impenitent  were  led  to  give 
vent  to  their  feelings  in  sighs.  Oh,  that  they  may  give 
their  hearts  to  God  and  not  their  tears  merely.     Just  as 


176  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

I  left  the  church,  I  found  a  large  party  of  young  people 
from  R.  and  D.,come  from  Ogd.,  and  called  at  the  tavern 
and  had  a  short  talk  with  them.  Oh,  how  important  to 
be  ready  for  every  exigency  where  the  Lord  may  call 
us.  God's  spirit  will  be  our  help  if  we  will  only  trust 
Him.  Several  friends  were  out  to-day  from  Ogdensburg. 
May  God  bless  them  in  all  their  duty.  6th.  Yesterday 
I  could  find  no  time  to  write  a  word  scarcely.  My  4th 
of  July  sermon  was  blessed  of  God,  and  many  souls 
were  brought  to  see,  in  some  measure,  their  situation. 
The  Lord  did  appear  in  His  glory;  several  were  brought 
to  bow  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  One  strong  champion 
of  Universalism  was  brought  to  acknowledge  his  error 
and  bow  at  the  feet  of  Immanuel;  and  one  man  who 
swore  that  his  wife  should  not  go  to  the  meeting,  but 
weed  out  the  garden.  She  went  into  the  garden,  but  the 
Lord  got  hold  of  him,  and  he  called  his  wife  and  both 
started  for  the  meeting.  He  was  quite  hard  when  I  first 
commenced  talking  with  him,  but  before  he  left  the  house 
he  was  on  his  feet  asking  for  prayers,  confessing  and 
begging  for  mercy,  and  confessing  to  all,  and  gave  up  his 
heart  to  God,  and  some  eight  or  ten  others.  To  God 
be  all  the  glory.  And  there  have  been  pretty  hearty 
confessions  from  some  who  have  been  long  the  professed 
friends  of  God,  and  parents  begin  to  look  at  their  chil- 
dren with  a  deep  feeling  of  heart.  They  go  about  with 
sorrow  depicted  on  their  countenances.  Universalism 
begins  to  tremble  here  and  the  strongholds  of  sin  to 
totter.  Oh,  may  it  please  the  Lord  to  destroy  all  the 
influence  of  such  vile  and  miserable  stuff  from  the  minds 
of  this  community.  I  feel  that  this  state  of  things 
places  me  under  great  responsibility,  and  I  feel  that  I  am 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  177 

called  upon  to  take  the  shoes  from  off  the  feet,  for  the 
ground  on  which  I  stand  is  holy  ground,  and  yet,  I  am 
vile  and  sinful  indeed,  and  need  much  of  the  spirit  of  the 
Lord  under  all  circumstances.  Evening: — It  is  meeting 
time  this  very  moment  and  I  suppose  I  should  go,  but  I 
must  write  a  few  words  before  I  go  and  mail  this.  To- 
day has  been  a  most  glorious  day  to  many  souls ; 
several  cases  of  hopeful  conversions.  The  Spirit  of  God 
is  weighing  on  the  hearts  of  all  this  community.  There 
are  many  that  seem  to  be  much  affected  and  they  come 
from  a  distance.  I  have  no  help  as  yet  of  ministerial 
kind,  except  Bro.  C.  His  body  is  here  and  his  mind  at 
home  half  of  the  time,  yet  he  does  get  hold  on  the  Lord's 
arm  most  gloriously  and  the  Spirit  of  God  does  seem  to 
be  speaking  great  things  for  him  and  all.  But  I  must 
close  and  hasten  for  the  meeting.  I  board  half  a  mile, 
or  nearly,  from  the  church.  My  health  is  pretty 
good.  Kiss  the  children  for  me.  Love  to  all  the  friends 
In  haste. 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


HUVELTON,  July  20,  1842. 

My  dear  Wife  : 

Yours  was  received  yesterday  morning  and  I  was  much 
rejoiced  to  hear  from  home,  but  it  makes  me  feel  some 
solicitude  about  my  little  family  as  to  health,  yet  do  feel 
that  God  will  do  all  things  well  and  for  His  own  glory. 
I  think  the   meeting  here  will   close  on   Sabbath,  if  not 


178  LIFE     \\l>    LETTERS  OF 

before.  The  meeting  is  not  attended  now  as  it  was  the 
first  week,  though  every  da)-  new  cases  of  conversions 
are  taking  place,  and  the  feeling  is  spreading  over  this 
whole  region.  Last  Sabbath  the  congregation  was  very 
great;  hundreds  were  there.  I  had  to  make  m\>  palpit 
in  the  window  of  the  church  and  preach  to  those  out 
of  the  house  and  in  it,  and  there  was  considerable  feeling 
for  the  souls  of  men.  May  it  increase  more  and  still 
more.  There  have  been  hard,  and  openly  wicked  and  vile 
persons  who  have  been  brought  to  bow  at  the  foot  of  the 
cross.  To  His  name  be  all  the  glory.  Bro.  L.  intimated 
something  about  a  visit  to  Albany.  It  will  be  very 
doubtful,  although  it  would  be  very  pleasing  if  the  Lord 
will,  but  we  must  ask  counsel  of  God,  that  we  may  walk 
before  Him  in  that  manner  that  will  be  pleasing  to  Him, 
and  for  His  glory.  I  am  anxious  to  do  what  will  best 
promote  the  cause  of  our  blessed  Lord.  The  prospect 
is  that  I  shall  have  enough  to  do  as  long  as  God  will 
strengthen  me,  and  as  I  shall  have  a  heart  to  work.  I 
have  received  a  request  from  Copenhagen  to  hold  a 
meeting  in  that  place.  As  my  engagements  now  are,  I 
could  not  comply  at  present.  I  do  ask  counsel  of  God  that 
I  may  do  my  whole  duty  according  to  His  will.  I  must 
close  as  it  is  time  to  commence  meeting.  Pray  much  for  this 
place,  and  for  me.  I  have  been  much  of  the  time  alone 
as  to  ministerial  help.     In  haste. 

Yours  affectionately, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

Closed  at  Huvelton,  July  31st.  Sabbath,  administered 
Lord's  supper,  organized  and  received  into  membership 
sixty-two.  Dismissed  congregation  at  half  past  twelve 
o'clock. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  179 

DePuyster,  August  13,  1842. 
Dear  Children  : 

As  I  have  a  moment  to  write,  I  will  just  tell  you  of 
our  coming  here.  We  had  a  pleasant  journey  on  the 
whole.  When  I  got  to  Wilna  we  found  that  there  had 
been  a  heavy  hail  storm  the  day  before  we  started  from 
home.  Some  of  them  were  as  large  as  butternuts  and 
some  as  large  as  walnuts.  They  broke  windows  and 
broke  down  the  corn  and  potatoes.  There  were  about 
seventy  lights  broken  out  in  the  "checkered  house."  So 
we  see  how  great  and  powerful  is  the  army  the  Lord  has 
August  11,  got  to  teach  men  their  dependence  on 
araetingtn  Him,  and  if  the  Lord  be  for  us  who  can 
DePuyster.  be  against  us?  We  came  to  A;  took 
dinner  with  Miss  F— .  While  here  they  had  quite 
a  heavy  shower  of  rain,  but  we  were  in  a  house  and 
thus,  again,  we  were  very  kindly  watched  over  by 
our  heavenly  Father.  We  started  about  five  o'clock, 
tarried  all  night  at  Mr.  Temple's,  in  G — .  We  found 
some  mud  a  part  of  the  way.  There  was  a  heavy  shower 
of  rain  accompanied  by  much  heavy  lightning  and  thun- 
der, but  did  not  reach  us,  so  God  did  again  protect  us. 
O,  how  thankful  we  ought  to  be,  and  I  trust  we  are  in 
some  measure.  We  spent  about  two  hours  at  Major 
Sargent's  and  started  for  this  place.  The  bell  soon  rang 
to  let  the  people  know  I  had  come,  and  we  went  to  the 
church.  I  preached  from  Luke,  xvi :  2,  middle  clause. 
Quite  a  goodly  number  out.  We  board  at  Mr.  B — s. 
They  have  a  large  family.  Some  of  them  are  Christians. 
May  they  all  be  brought  to  the  fold  of  the  dear  Redeemer. 


180  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

To-day,  15th,  prospects  of  the  meeting  appear  encourag- 
ing. The  class  leader  confessed  he  had  not  maintained 
family  devotion  for  a  long  time,  The  eldest  appears  like 
a  Christian;  is  the  chorister  in  this  place.  I  think  he 
will  do  much  good  in  the  meeting.  The  second  has  just 
come  out  on  the  Lord's  side.  The  congregation  yester- 
day could  not  near  all  get  into  the  meeting-house,  which 
is  a  very  snug  stone  building,  with  a  bell.  The  evening 
meetings  are  full  and  attentive,  which  makes  it  easy 
preaching.  There  was  not  a  family  altar  in  the  place 
except  the  Methodist  preacher,  and  he  tried  in  vain  to 
establish  a  weekly  prayer  meeting.  Among  this  people, 
until  the  meeting  in  Huvelton,  this  whole  vicinity  was 
one  unbroken  moral  desolation.  But,  thanks  be  to  God, 
the  wilderness  begins  to  bud.  It  is  refreshing  to  the 
Christian  soul  to  be  here  now.  May  the  Lord  give  com- 
plete success  to  the  efforts  now  in  progress.  The  people 
are  in  the  midst  of  their  harvest.  It  is  more  forward 
here  than  in  L —  county.  Some  are  threshing  new 
wheat.  And  the  spiritual  harvest  is  white  already  to 
harvest.  Pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  raise  up  and 
send  forth  laborers  into  the  gospel  field.  Hope  the  chil- 
dren will  be  kind  to  each  other,  and  pray  the  Savior  to 
give  them  new  hearts.  Love  to  all.  Aunt  E —  will 
please  to  read  this  to  the  little  daughters. 

With  much  affection,  yours, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


DePuyster,  August  28,  1842. 

My  Daughters: 

You  see  by  this  that  your  dear  pa  and  ma  and  little 
sister  are  yet  in  the  place  to  which  we  first   came.     We 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  181 

have  all  enjoyed  a  pretty  good  degree  of  health.  There 
have  been  three  deaths  in  this  place  since  we  came  here, 
but  our  lives  have  been  spared.  The  people  here  to-day  de- 
cided that  the  meeting  should  continue  some  days  longer, 
Letter  from      so   I    can    not     tell     you   when   we     shall 

Mrs.  W .    leave   this    place.      The     Lord    is     doing 

a  great  work  here.  A  great  many  have  been  con- 
verted and  a  great  many  are  enquiring  what  they 
shall  do  to  be  saved.  Many  family  altars  have  been 
erected  and  we  hope  many  more  will  be.  A  great  num- 
ber assembled  at  the  meeting-house  to-day  that  could 
not  get  in.  Some  came  from  Ogdensburg,  Lisbon,  Can- 
ton, DeKalb,  McCombe,  Huvelton  and  I  don't  know  how 
many  more,  but  I  spoke  with  persons  from  all  those 
places.  Tell  grandpa  a  Mr.  S.  P.,  brother  of  Mrs.  A. 
and  Mrs.  B.,  in  the  village,  has  become  a  new  man,  he 
thinks,  and  we  hope  so,  too.  He  came  over  to  see  your 
ma  yesterday  after  meeting  closed,  where  he  thought  he 
gave  his  heart  to  the  Lord,  and  he  appeared  very  differ- 
ent from  what  he  did  about  a  week  ago  when  one  evening 
I  invited  him  to  go  forward  to  the  anxious  seat,  but  he 
was  then  a  hardened  Universalist  and  forbid  his  family 
coming  to  meeting;  but  to-day  they  could  all  come 
together.  They  had  a  good  meeting  last  night ;  probably 
more  than  a  hundred  forward  for  prayers.  There  is  a 
great  interest  felt  all  over  this  region.  Two  gentlemen 
from  Lisbon  were  here  yesterday  urging  your  dear  pa  to 
come  and  hold  a  meeting  in  that  town.  There  are 
above  three  hundred  inhabitants  in  that  place,  and  the 
fields  are  white  already  to  harvest,  morally  as  well  as 
temporally.  Your  dear  pa  wants  to  do  the  -will  of  the 
Lord.      Therefore    we  must  pray  much  and  watch  the 


182  LIFE   AND  LETTERS    OF 

leadings  of  providence;   a  few  days  more  will  determine. 
But  I  must  close. 

Love  to  all,  Your  Mother. 

C.  WlCKES. 


At  the  close  of  this  interesting  and  successful  meeting 
Mr.  W — ,  with  wife  and  infant,  returned  home  and  made 
a  visit  to  his  parents,  in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  performed  the 
marriage  ceremony  of  his  eldest  sister,  and  returned  to 
St.  Lawrence  early  in  October,  and  commenced  a  meeting 
at  Lisbon. 

He  was  strongly  urged  by  his  friends  to  settle  down 
as  a  pastor,  and  many  churches  were  offered  for  his  ser- 
vices, but  he  could  not  feel  it  duty  to  give  up  evangelistic 
labors,  although  sorely  tempted  by  his  affection  for  his 
home. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 


MEETING     IN     LISBON     AND     BIRTHDAY 
LETTER    1842. 


Lisbon,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  Sept.  30th,  1842 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

solitary    and     lonely    one,   I    feel  I    am,  on   the 
banks  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  in   a   room    eight   by 
twelve,  in  a   log  house,  with  a    bed,  a    table,    a 
cupboard.  A      clock,       two      chairs,      my       trunk, 

etc.,  in  the  family  of  Mr.  D.,  half  a  mile  from  the 
church,  I  now  sit  and  talk  with  my  bosom  friend.  I  have 
been  brought  into  the  hardest  place  that  I  have  been  in 
since  we  were  married.  It  is  leaving  my  dear  family. 
I  have  been  almost  overpowered  and  my  heart  swelled 
and  my  throat  choked  up  much,  yet  I  tried  very  much 
to  keep  myself  in  command.  But  when  I  arrived  at  our 
Mrs.  W.   room  in  Stows  Square  I  was  not  saluted  by  joyful 

and  chil-  ,  , 

dren  staid  embrace  of    my  little   ones,  nor    the    welcoming 

in  Albany  smjles  of  my  dear  wife.     All  solitary  and  lonely, 
for  a  visit  -  J  J 

ofmonths.  I  could  not  refrain  my  self  any  longer  and  gave 

183 


184  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

vent  to  my  feelings.  When  I  sat  down  at  the 
table  your  place  was  filled  by  another.  And  I 
about  to  make  the  breach  eighty  miles  longer.  My 
heart  swelled  greatly  I  can  assure  you  until  I  became 
almost  like  a  child.  I  thought  of  your  trust  or  care,  of 
the  health  of  each  child,  of  the  dangers  of  temptations 
into  which  they  would  be  placed,  and  for  the  moment  I 
felt  it  was  wrong  for  husband  and  wife  to  be  separated, 
and  was  almost  a  good  mind  to  start  for  A.  and  go  and 
settle  down  once  more.  But  yet  feeling  must  not  be  my 
guide.  The  Lord  forbid.  Let  me  do  the  will  of  my 
heavenly  Father.  We  have  covenanted  and  let  us  not  go 
back,  so  long  as  God  opens  the  way  before  us  let  us  all 
and  each  follow  on.  And  may  God  protect  and  direct. 
On  my  way  here  I  made  several  calls  till  I  reached  Bro. 
C's.,  as  my  horse  was  tired  Bro.  C.  kindly  put  his  horse 
to  the  wagon  and  brought  me  through,  making  the  day's 
ride  sixty-five  miles.  When  I  found  a  goodly  number 
come  together  and  waiting  for  the  minister  to  come,  and 
I  tried  to  preach  from  "Search  me  O  God"  etc.  though  I 
found  myself  very  much  exhausted.  But  there  was  an 
ungainly  and  wicked  set  of  people,  and  an  opportunity 
to  do  much  good.  There  were  perhaps  two  hundred  or 
two  hundred  and  fifty  present  the  first  evening.  To  day 
but  a  little  handful  to  the  prayer  meeting,  and  a  small 
number  at  the  preaching  in  the  afternoon.  To  night  a 
large  congregation  out  and  the  spirit  of  God  is  evi- 
dently moving  upon  many  hearts.  But  there  are  a  vast 
variety  of  folks  here.  There  are  Seceders,  Covenanters 
two  kinds  of  Baptists,  two  kinds  of  Methodists,  Presby- 
terians, Congregationlists  and  Episcopalians,  Mormons, 
Christians,  and  Universalists.     So   you  can    see  what   a 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  185 

motley  mess  there  is,  and  they  are  made  up  of  Dutch, 
Scotch,  English,  Irish,  French,  Canadian  and  Yankees 
and  each  with  their  prejudices  and  predilections  and 
nothing  but  the  wisdom  and  power  of  God  will  ac- 
complish any  thing  here.  Thus  to  "become  all  things  to 
all  men"  is  a  vast  and  great  work  and  one  which  I  feel 
entirely  inadequate  for  the  task.  But  I  do  know  that 
God  will  guide  me,  and  keep  me  if  I  will  only  lean  upon 
His  almighty  arm.  I  found  that  the  Episcopal  clergyman 
had  been  rather  forestalling  the  minds  of  some  of  the  people 
and  had  intimated  they  were  all  weak  minded  and  ignorant 
ones  who  were  converted  in  their  meeting.  But  weak  as 
they  are,  they  are  the  very  ones  he  has  tried  most  faith- 
fully to  get  into  his  church.  I  pray  God  he  may  find  mercy 
by  repenting.  The  work  still  goes  on  in  DePuyster.  At 
Huvelton  they  have  hired  the  meeting-house  to  get 
ready  for  the  other  house  so  that  they  will  have  a  year  to 
repair  the  old  house  in.  Truly  what  has  God  wrought. 
To  His  name  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor.  I  am  at 
the  close  of  my  sheet.  Do  pray  for  me,  Write  soon. 
Love  to  all.     Kiss  the  children  for  me.     In  haste,  etc. 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Lisbon,  Oct.  6,  1842. 
Dear  Sister  A. 

I  arrived  at  the  old  forsaken  church  after  the  people 

had  all  got  together,  and   a  pretty  large  congregation. 

But  of  all    the  heterogeneous  parcels  that  I  ever  saw, 

this  is  the  climax  !      But  the  Lord  is  truly  in  the  midst 

12 


186  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

of  us.  There  have  been  some  few  hopeful  conversions, 
and  the  work  seems  to  be  spreading  around  and  deepen- 
ing. There  was  one  man  converted  that  was  an  active 
captain  in  the  late  war;  was  in  several  engagements  and 
been  a  magistrate  for  twenty-four  years  here.  He  talks 
most  nobly,  and  confessed  with  much  frankness  and  sin- 
cerity. May  the  Lord  carry  forward  the  work  in  His 
own  way!  To  His  name  be  all  the  glory !  I  board 
about  half  a  mile  from  the  church,  on  the  bank  of  the 
river,  with  Canada  shore  in  view.  The  going  and  the 
weather  is  delightful.  May  the  Lord  smile  on  us  all ! 
Love  to  all. 

Your  Brother, 

L.   A.  WlCKES. 


Lisbon,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  Oct.  11,  1842. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

I  commence  this  morning  filling  my  large  sheet  not 
knowing  when  I  shall  finish  it.  Since  I  wrote  the  Lord 
has  appeared  for  our  help  and  prejudice  begins  to  vanish 
away,  and  the  people  begin  to  inquire  what  do  these 
things  mean  ?  There  was  considerable  preparation  made 
by  the  people  externally,  for  the  old  house  had  stood 
unoccupied  for  some  six  or  eight  years,  except  used  for 
the  young  people's  gambling  house.  The  windows  were 
so  much  broken  it  took  over  half  a  box  of  glass  to  mend 
them.  The  floors  had  broken  down  and  the  sway  of 
Lord  Tobacco  had  been  so  awful  that  his  marks  had 
been  deeply  stamped  on  all  his  steps  and  piled  like  heaps 
of  pollution,  and   thoroughly  dried  in ;   and  the  spiders, 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  187 

worms  and  bats  had  seemed  to  have  had  a  war  to  see 
who  should  claim  the  house  as  theirs,  But  the  people 
had  made  war  with  all  these  and  removed  them,  so  that 
the  shell  seemed  to  be  a  little  decent  for  intelligent  beings 
to  occupy.  Some  seemed  to  feel  very  anxious  to  have 
the  Lord's  work  revive  here,  but  yet  there  was  a  great 
amount  of  incredulity  in  the  final  good  of  the  meeting. 
The  Episcopal  minister  had  been  putting  people  on  their 
guard  against  being  excited,  for  none  but  persons  of  weak 
minds  and  inferior  intellect  were  affected  by  such  meet- 
ings. One  of  the  plain  men  of  the  place  answered  him 
by  saying  that  if  this  was  the  case  then  the  two  great 
political  parties  of  the  day  were  great  fools,  for  they  had 
made  choice  of  "  two  of  Wickes's  converts  (  B — ,  Whig, 
and  Readington  Law),  to  represent  them  in  the  State 
Legislature  and  all  that  knew  them  knezv  they  were  men 
of  no  ordinary  minds.  But  such  arguments  men  do 
not  think  anything  of.  The  Lord,  however,  will  have  all 
the  glory  and  the  honor  of  His  own  work.  There  have 
been  some  twenty  or  thirty  hopeful  conversions  since  the 
meeting  commenced.  One  man,  Captain  L — ,  a  reformed 
inebriate, 'has  been  hopefully  brought  to  bow  at  the  foot 
of  the  cross.  He  was  an  officer  in  the  late  war,  and  in 
several  actions,  and  had  become  a  very  hardened,  wicked 
Lisbon,  and  profane   man.     Once,   in   a   drunken 

Oct.  11,  1842.  frolic,  he  had  sold  a  pew  in  the  church  for 
a  glass  of  ardent  spirits.  His  mind  was  so  affected  while 
sitting  in  it  before  he  bowed  to  the  Lord,  that  he  could 
not  stay  in  the  house,  "  But  went  out  to  get  rid  of  them," 
as  he  said.  That,  he  felt,  was  wrong,  so  he  returned  and, 
we  hope,  became  a  praying  man.  He  has  for  twenty- 
four  or  five  years  filled  the  office  of  magistrate  in   this 


188  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

town.     They  are  driving  the  temperance  reform  here,  and 
there  is  great  need  of  it  for  it  has  been  a  most  drunken 
hole,  and  the  proverb  is,  or  has  been,  that  it  was  "  Satan's 
gate  to   hell.     And  it   has   been,   indeed,   the  very  case. 
We    have    reason  to  fear    too    many    souls    have   gone 
to  the  eternal  world  unprepared.    Last  Saturday,  being  the 
time  of  their  monthly  meeting,  I  gave  them  a  short  address 
of  an  hour  and  twenty  minutes.  Last  Sabbath  was  a  very 
rainy  day  and  the  congregation  were  late  in  getting  in  to 
meeting,  so  we  concluded  as  it  rained  so  hard  we  would 
have  only  one  sermon.  I  preached  from  Isa.  xxviii:  16;  the 
spirit  of  God  was  in  our  midst.    One  young  lady  became 
a  Christian,  as  we  hope,  during  the  exercise.     To  God  be 
all  the  glory  and  the  honor!     He  will   make   His   word 
effectual  when  we  will  not  cripple  it  by  our  unbelief  and 
unfaithfulness.     One  man,  the  other  evening,  went  away 
from  church  mad,  cursing,  and  swearing  he  would  never 
come  to  meeting  again.      But   the  Lord  was  too  strong 
for  him.     On  Sabbath  evening,  we  hope,  he  became  the 
heir  of  immortal  glory.     O,  what  a  forgiving  God  is  our 
Redeemer!     The  meetings  are  not  very  well  attended  in 
the  day  time,  but  evenings  the  house  is  thronged.     I  find 
my  own  heart  is  very  hard,  amd  unprepared  for  so  great 
and  so  responsible  a  work.     What  a  deceitful  heart  mine 
is !     And  how  much  I  do  need  God's  constant  care  and 
His    subduing   grace    to    keep    me    anywhere    near    the 
bounds  of  truth  and  love  to  God;  and  how  ungrateful  I 
am  for  all  the  favors  which  he  is  conferring  upon  me ! 
O,  for  the  meekness  of  Christ  to  fill  my  heart !      Yester- 
day, on  getting  to  church,  I  was  greeted  by  Captain  L — 
saying:  "There  was  a  scene  in  my  house  yesterday  that 
was  never  there  before;  there  was  father,  mother,  grand- 


LEWIS   ALFRED   VVICKES.  189 

parents  and  children  and  grand  children,  all  on  their  knees 
together,  each  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.  It  melted 
my  hard  heart  before  the  Lord.  Oh,  I  never  knew  what 
happiness  was  before !  I  used  to  think  when  I  could  get 
some  half  dozen  or  more  of  my  old  comrades  together 
ancLget  about  half  dead  drunk,  that  I  was  really  happy; 
and  being  a  great  politician,  put  a  little  flag  on  a  broom 
and  stuck  it  on  the  counter  and  then  gave  three  cheers; 
then  I  was  completely  happy.  O,  how  wicked  and  what 
a  fool  I  have  been !  I  am  now  determined,  by  God's 
help,  to  be  as  faithful  for  God  as  I  have  been  for  the 
devil."  And  while  he  talked  the  soldier's  tears  flowed  in 
Lisbon,  streams.     Last   evening  one  of  his   sons 

Oct,  11,1842.  among  some  forty  others,  hopefully  gave 
themselves  to  the  Lord  in  an  everlasting  covenant. 
Why,  how  good  the  Lord  is  to  such  vile  and  sinful  worms 
as  we  are!  The  meeting-house,  which  will  seat  some 
four  hundred  or  more  comfortably,  is  crowded  every 
evening,  and  some  come  a  distance  of  five,  six  and  eight 
miles;  but  in  the  day  time  the  meeting  is  small — so  small 
that  I  told  them  last  evening  that  I  would  allow  them 
to-day  to  see  whether  they  will  turn  out  to  meeting,  and 
if  they  cannot  I  should  close  this  evening;  yet  I  felt  it 
would  be  an  awful  step  for  some  of  this  community. 
But  the  Lord's  cause  must  be  promoted  in  every  place. 
People  begin  to  be  afraid  the  meeting  will  close,  and  be- 
gin to  pray  some. 

Yesterday  I  received  a  pattern  for  a  coat  from 
an  old  blackleg  (gambler)  that  was  hopefully  converted 
to  God  during  the  meeting  in  H — .  He  lives 
up  country  in  Canada,  and  is  trying  to  get  me  there. 
Thus  God  supplies  our  wants;  but  soon   we   shall  leave 


190  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

our  earthly  abode  with  all  its  wants.      O,  that  we  may 
ever  be  prepared  for  such  an  event ! 

13th.  We  had  a  very  good  congregation  and  there  was 
a  good  deal  of  feeling  among  all  classes.  Several  we  hope 
gave  themselves  to  the  Lord  in  an  everlasting  covenant 
not  to  be  broken.  Some  cases  of  interest,  one  man  by 
the  name  of  McCrea,  he  is  a  nephew  to  Miss  McCreawho 
was  taken  and  murdered  by  the  two  parties  of  In- 
dians in  their  anxiety  to  convey  her  to  the  British 
officer  who  was  intending  to  marry  her.  He  has 
been  a  miserable  toper,  a  man  of  good  education  and 
an  excellent  natural  ability.  He  has  been  sometime  a 
Washingtonian  and  now  we  hope  a  Christian.  To  God 
be  the  glory.  There  were  several  others  yesterday 
whom  in  charity  we  hope  bowed  to  the  Savior  and 
backsliders  were  coming  back  to  the  Lord.  How 
strange  it  is  that  any  heart  should  or  would  ever  for- 
sake a  God  of  so  infinite  love  and  kindness,  and  where 
true  and  lasting  joy  may  be  found,  yea  truly,  enjoyed, 
is  yet  strange,  as  it  is  we  are  prone  to  wan- 
der from  the  God  we  love.  Husbands  and  wives,  parents 
and  children  do  now  begin  to  pour  out  the  soul  for 
each  other  and  begin  to  feel  that  there  is  something  to 
do  for  each  other  more  than  they  have  ever  done.  And 
when  God's  people  do  thus  feel  and  then  pour  out 
their  prayers  they  will  not  labor  in  vain.  But  greater 
ignorance  upon  the  subject  of  religion  among  a  professed 
Lisbon,  enlightened  people  I  never  saw  than  I  find 

October  ll,  1842-  here,  moral  obligation  seems  not  to  have 
any  weight  upon  them.  But  the  Lord  can  teach  them. 
One  of  the  prominent  men  of  the  town,  an  active  justice 
of  the  peace,  told  me  he  had  never  thought  of  abstaining 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  131 

from  wrong  because  it  was  sin  against  God!!  He  is 
secretary  of  the  Washingtonian  Society  and  yet  he 
did  not  engage  in  the  cause  because  intemperance  was  a  sin 
against  the  Lord.  This  is  about  the  character  of  a  large 
portion  of  these  people.  It  is  no  wonder  that  man  has  gone 
on  in  sin.  Nor  that  they  do  forsake  the  Lord  when  these 
principles  are  the  only  ones  which  would  govern  them. 
Truly  how  great  is  the  blessing  which  we  have  had.  No 
principles  as  weighty  as  eternity,  and  to  have  God's 
eternal  truth  press  upon  our  hearts,  to  keep  us  within 
bounds  of  God's  mercy.  How  different  was  Joseph 
when  he  was  tempted  by  Potiphar's  wife.  "How  can 
I  do  this  great  wickedness  and  sin  against  God."  Here 
is  a  fortification  which  I  ever  wish  my  dear  children 
to  be  fortified  with  in  all  things;  this  principle  will  stand 
when  all  the  others  will  be  banished  away,  and  when 
the  eye  of  earthly  parents  are  not  present  to  superin- 
tend the  actions  of  their  children,  let  it  be  stamped  deeply 
upon  ours  whether  we  survive  them  or  the}-  us.  The  other 
day  a  lady  came  to  me  with  a  bitter  moan  and  felt 
heart  broken.  Her  daughter  had  after  evening  meet- 
ing gone  with  a  young  man  to  the  justice's  office  and 
had  been  married  unbeknown  to  her  parents.  "I  have 
brought  up  my  children  very  tender  and  kind  and  to 
have  my  eldest  daughter  begin  in  this  way  it  is  more 
then  I  can  endure."  I  asked  her  if  she  had  taught 
her  daughter  the  Bible  principles  of  obedience.  She  con- 
fessed she  had  not,  but  had  brought  her  up  very  tenderly, 
and  here  we  have  an  evidence  of  the  necessity  of 
Bible  training,  and  to  act  from  right  principles.  To 
look  at  wrong  as  being  sin  against  God.  How  much 
wisdom    we    need.      But,  my   dear,  the  Loid    is    with  us 


192  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

here.  Yesterday  He  was  with  us  and  His  mighty- 
power  was  gloriously  displayed.  I  can  not  say  how 
many  have  become  hopefully  disciples  of  Jesus. 
Among  them  one  of  the  physicans,  two  justices  of 
the  peace,  the  supervisor  of  the  town,  the  former  super- 
visors, some  five  or  six  men  of  grey  hairs  and  a  goodly 
number  of  youth  and  middle  aged  persons.  Blessed 
be  the  name  of  the  Lord  for  all  His  kindness  and  the 
favors  He  has  shown  unto  us.  I  can  truly  bless  the 
Lord,  Oh  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me  bless  His 
holy  name.  Truly  if  we  will  only  be  humble  before 
Lisbon,  our     God    he    will    be    entreated    of    us. 

Oct.  1,  1842.  How  great,  how  large  are  the  favors 
which  heaven  bestows,  to  spend  our  lives  in  His  cause. 
And  yet  how  comparatively  useless  are  the  days  of  our 
life  to  what  they  should  be.  I  sometimes  feel  that 
earth  has  but  little  hold  on  me.  But  when  I  think  of 
the  dear  family  in  Albany,  I  find  I  yet  am  a  social  being 
and  have  an  attachment  for  my  earthly  friends. 
But,  Oh,  how  I  do  want  to  be  heavenly  minded  and  full 
of  the  love  of  God.  There  are  brethren  who  do  come 
in  and  labor  for  souls.  This  day  thus  far  has  been  a 
very  good  time,  some  have  bowed  to  the  sceptre  of 
the  Savior's  love.  Truly  what  has  the  Lord  wrought. 
How  blessed  a  Savior  He  is.  How  glorious  and  how 
great.  Man  is  a  most  ungrateful  being  who  will  not 
serve  and  obey  him!  Those  who  yesterday  professed 
to  give  themselves  to  the  Lord  came  forward  and  took 
part  in  the  morning  meeting,  and  there  was  a  feeling 
for  the  welfare  of  others  that  there  has  r.ot  been,  ap- 
parently, since  the  meeting  commenced.  When  the 
meeting  commenced   they  used   to  bring  in  requests  for 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  193 

the  prisoners  of  Van  Diemen's  Land,  the  persecuted 
Christians  in  Germany,  God's  ancient  people,  the  Jews, 
the  inmates  of  the  poor  house.  But  they  begin  to 
find  others  are  poor,  oppressed  by  the  devil  and  pris- 
oners. While  those  were  laudable  objects  of  prayer  yet 
they  were  only  a  form.  Now  they  work.  Last  evening 
I  stayed  at  the  house  of  one  of  the  young  converts,  where 
we  had  a  house  full  of  them,  and  a  glorious  time  we  had 
of  it  too.  To  day  the  Lord  has  been  with  us,  three 
or  four  fathers  among  others  have  been  led  to  believe 
on  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  some  mothers,  also  some  young 
people.  The  Lord's  work  moves  forward  and  has  a 
good  effect  on  the  town,  and  especially  upon  the  first 
men  of  the  town.  To  His  name  be  all  the  glory  and 
the  honor  for  all  that  He  has  done.  Oh,  let  us  mag- 
nify His  great  name  that  we  can  have  the  privilege 
of  working  for  Him.  Tell  the  dear  children  to  be  kind 
to  each  other,  and  to  all.  Let  the  greatest  pains  be 
taken  to  teach  them  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  Let  them 
daily  read  God's  word.  If  you  are  in  want  let  me 
know.     Love  to   all. 

Your   affectionate  Husband. 

L.    A.    WICKES. 


Lisbon,  Oct.  25,  1842. 

Dear  Brother  Cross: 

I  have  been  very  much  disappointed  in  not  seeing 
you  at  this  place  before  this.  I  think  if  you  had  known 
how  much  you  were  needed  here,  you  would  have  come. 


194  LIFE    AND   LETTERS  OF 

The  Lord  truly  is  in  the  midst  of  us.  Now  I  wish,  Bro., 
if  it  is  possible,  you  would  come  down  here  that  you  may 
finish  up  the  work  here  after  I  leave.  The  work  has  got 
among  the  first  class  of  the  town ;  nearly  all  the  town 
officers  have  become  subjects  of  the  work.  To  God  be 
all  the  glory  given  !  O,  how  good  and  how  glorious  it  is 
for  men  to  serve  God  !  May  the  Lord  bless  you,  my 
dear  Brother,  and  you  be  the  honored  instrument  of  great 
good  yet  in  His  glorious  cause! 

Remember  me  to  all,  especially  to  Mrs.  C — .  Do 
not  fail  to  come  if  possible.  Do  not  let  a  little  storm 
prevent  you.      Pray  much  for 

Your  unworthy  Brother, 
L.  A.  WICKES. 


Lisbon,  Oct.,  28th  1842. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wjfe: 

Your  letter  was  received  not  until  the  17th  inst., 
when  it  was  a  welcome  messenger  I  can  assure  you. 
The  postmaster  handed  it  in  at  my  room  before  day  with 
a  candle,  and  I  lost  no  time  in  perusing  it.  I  have  felt  all 
the  time  that  the  Lord  would  take  care  of  you  and  would 
be  your  support.  Friendship  is  too  weak  a  term  for  me 
to  express  the  feeling  which  I  have  for  my  dear  family , 
and  love  is  a  lame  expression  in  comparison.  I  have 
sometimes  thought  that  I  was  almost  verging  on  to  the 
borders  of  idolatry  when  I  see  what  are  the  emotions  of 
my  bosom,      Yet   the  Lord  does   truly  say,  "  Husbands, 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  195 

love  your  wives."  *  *  *  Since  I  wrote  you 
the  Lord  has  been  among  us.  Many  have  bowed  at  the 
foot  of  the  cross  and  subscribed  unto  the  Lord  with  their 
own  hand.     To  God  be  all  the  glory! 

November  ist.  I  have  not  found  time  since  I  wrote 
the  above  to  scarce  put  my  pen  on  paper  for  a  moment. 
Last  Sabbath  I  intended  to  close  the  meeting  with  my 
farewell  address  to  the  converts.  There  were  one  hun- 
dred and  ten  who  took  their  seats  together,  and  a  goodly 
number  that  were  absent  from  the  place.  We  entered 
the  church  at  nine  in  the  morning  for  prayers,  had  about 
three-fourths  of  an  hour's  intermission,  and  closed  the 
meeting  after  sundown.  Commenced  meeting  at  seven 
and  closed  at  half  past  eleven  o'clock.  At  the  close  there 
was  a  resolution  passed  requesting  me  to  stay  longer, 
and  they  would  turn  out  and  attend  the  meeting  so  long 
as  there  are  evident  tokens  of  the  will  of  God  that  the 
meetings  should  go  forward.  Now  they  have  gone  and 
prepared  the  other  old  shell  of  a  forsaken  church  and  are 
earnestly  begging  me  to  come  there.  It  is  about  three 
miles  back  from  the  river.  A  wicked  man  who  keeps  a 
tavern  close  by  says  he  will  stop  selling  liquor  while  the 
meeting  lasts  if  I  will  come,  and  will  give  me  the  best  his 
house  can  afford.  I  finally  have  postponed  going  to 
Woodville  for  a  week  longer.  Next  Friday  to  Sabbath 
I  shall  spend  at  Huvelton,  to  administer  the  communion 
to  the  church,  and  shall  probably  return  to  this  town  on 
Monday.  Such  a  state  of  things  as  was  never  before 
seen  in  this  town  exists  now.  And  all  that  has  been 
done  by  God's  people  is  to  lay  low  before  God  and  do 
their  duty,  and  scores  of  souls  fly  to  God.  I  feel  that  I 
hardly  know  what   duty  is,  yet   I   am  inclined  to  believe 


196  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

that  the  providence  of  God  says,  stay  here  for  the  pres- 
Lisbon,  ent.  There  is  much  land  to  be  possessed 
Nov.  3,  1842.  in  this  whole  region  and  may  the  Lord  send 
up  His  people  to  possess  it!  Many  of  the  converts  are 
very  strong  and  work  very  well,  but  a  great  deal  of  ignor- 
ance in  regard  to  the  things  of  religion  has  prevailed. 
Now  there  is  but  little  heard  here  but  temperance  and 
religion;  the  cause  is  prospering.  The  house  has  been  so 
Unusual  crowded  that  the  only  way  I  could  get  into 
Interest.  tne  nouse  mySelf  has  been  to  get  through  the 
window  and  then  have  to  climb  over  the  heads  of  many. 
November  3d.  Last  evening  there  were  about  a  hun- 
dred and  forty  or  fifty  forward  for  prayers,  and  the  most 
of  them  are  expressing  hope  in  a  Savior's  love  and  pardon. 
There  have  been  some  of  the  vilest  of  characters  that 
have  been  led  to  the  foot  of  the  cross.  You  would  think 
it  almost  incredible  if  I  were  to  attempt  to  describe  the 
scenes  that  have  been  exposed  on  the  banks  of  the  St. 
Lawrence.  H —  in  its  abominations  can  scarcely  be 
compared  to  it.  One  French  girl  that  God  laid  His  hands 
upon  so  powerfully,  came  and  wanted  help.  Her  con- 
fessions to  God  and  to  man  were  awful !  She  walked 
some  ten  or  twelve  miles  to  confess  to  persons  she  had 
abused.  I  sometimes  hardly  know  what  to  do  with 
man\-.  O,  for  wisdom  !  I  need  to  be  "Wise  as  a  serpent 
and  harmless  as  a  dove."  And  some  of  them  would  make 
the  cheeks  of  hell  to  blush;  and  that,  too,  among  those 
who  have  supposed  they  were  in  the  first  ranks  of  soci- 
ety. In  short,  the  first  ranks  of  society  and  the  dregs 
of  society  are,  as  a  general  thing,  the  two  classes  that 
will  meet  in  hell  together.  May  the  Lord  show  them 
their  abominations !      Many  who  have  been  members  of 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  197 

the  church,  yet  have  to  learn,  their  way  is  very  perverse 
before  the  Lord.  Last  evening  my  little  room  was  crammed 
and  jammed  in  with  men  and  women  crying  for  mercy; 
some  of  the  hardest  cases  in  all  the  town.  To  God  be 
all  the  glory  given  !  Let  us  pray  and  give  thanks,  and 
continue  to  labor.  Miss  L —  P —  is  at  this  place.  You 
will  remember  her  decided  piety.  She  has  now  the  priv- 
ilege of  having  four  brothers  hopefully  serving  God. 
This  she  has  long  prayed  for.  She  is  known  as  a  faithful 
and  an  esteemed  Christian  by  all  who  know  her.  She 
and  others  wish  to  be  remembered  to  you.  Pray  much 
for  this  place.  As  to  the  children  going  to  school,  you 
must  do  as  you  think  best.  But  to  none  but  a  pious 
teacher  who  does  their  duty  as  a  Christian.  Love  to  all. 
Kiss  the  little  ones  for  me. 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Lisbon,  Nov.  12,  1842. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife  : 

You  perceive  by  this,  I  am  yet  in  the  North,  on 
the  border  town.  Since  I  wrote  you  the  Lord  has 
been  in  our  midst.  I  think  I  finished  my  last  after  I 
had  preached  to  the  converts,  when  there  were  some 
over  a  hundred  and  twenty  together.  After  that, 
the  meeting  continued  until  Thursday  evening,  and 
there  were  some  thirty-five  more  who  professed  hope 
in  Christ.  I  then  left  to  spend  the  Friday  to  Sabbath 
in  H.;  preached  there  in  the  afternoon  and  evening,  and 


198  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

church  meeting,  and  all  day  Saturday.  On  Sabbath,  the 
Lord  was  with  us,  twelve  were  added  to  the  church  and 
we  had  a  heavenly  sitting  together.  I  do  not  know,  my 
dear,  as  I  have  ever  felt  more  the  sweet  delight  in  the 
service  of  the  Lord  than  I  have  of  late,  such  close  com- 
munion with  my  Lord.  It  is  delight,  it  is  joy  and  peace. 
I  have  felt  that  it  was  because  I  have  been  more  willing 
to  deny  myself  and  forego  privileges  than  I  have  at  any 
time  of  my  life,  since  I  have  been  in  the  ministry,  and  I 
do  feel  that  God  has  heard  and  answered  prayer.  We 
can  do  each  other  good  when  we  are  far  away  from  each 
other,  and  can  in  faith  oft  unite.  The  converts  at  H.  are 
very  faithful  and  grow  in  grace.  It  does  my  soul  good 
to  hear  them  pour  out  their  supplications  to  the  Lord. 
The  church  in  H.  now  numbers  seventy-six.  There  is  al- 
together a  different  state  of  society  here,  than  there  was  a 
few  months  ago.  They  are  very  solicitous  for  me  to  stay 
with  them,  but  let  the  Lord  direct,  and  we  will  follow  in 
the  path  of  duty.  On  Tuesday  I  returned  to  the  cen- 
tre of  the  town  of  Lisbon.  Here  I  board  with  the  inn- 
keeper who  has  closed  the  bar  as  long  as  I  shall  stay 
here.  The  meeting-house  was  a  wretched  miserable  shell, 
been  used  for  town-meetings,  elections,  sheep,  cats  and 
gambler's  home.  "  The  swallows  had  made  their  nests 
there,'"  but  the  people  had  gone  to  work  and  cleaned  it 
out,  so  that  there  was  a  little  appearance  of  boards  and  a 
floor.  The  house  is,  indeed,  an  unpleasantly  contrived 
one.  Doors  on  three  sides  of  the  house,  ten  slips  in  the 
centre  and  then  surrounded  with  square  pews,  the 
pulpit  on  the  side  of  the  house.  But  the  Lord  has 
kindly  condescended  to  grace  it  with  His  holy  presence 
and  his   forgiving  power.     There  are  many  of  the  most 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  I1.''-' 

powerful  prejudices  to  be  overcome  among  some  of  the 
old  South  Presbyterian  Church  here,  but  may  they  have 
a  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  which  will 
melt  down  all  unholiness  and  bring  sinners  to  the  ac- 
Lisbon,  knowledging  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus 
Nov.  12, 1842.  Christ.  The  Lord  was  with  us  yesterday 
and  some  souls  were  brought  to  the  fold 
of  Jesus.  To  His  name  be  all  the  glory.  The  prejudices 
of  the  people  are  very  peculiar.  They  are  the  old  Scotch. 
They  want  to  sing  the  Psalms  of  David  in  metre,  but 
get  no  rhyme  or  even  metre  at  all.  They  want  one  to 
stand  under  the  pulpit  and  present  it  out  line  by  line. 
They  wish  it  to  be  sung  by  all,  yet  not  to  have  a  bass- 
viol,  nor  the  flute,  nor  any  other  instrument.  Last  eve- 
ning there  were  about  one  hundred  forward  for  prayers. 
The  most  of  them  were  young  men,  and  quite  a  number, 
we  hope,  gave  themselves  to  the  Lord,  but  still  there  is 
much  to  be  done  yet.  Here  are  hundreds  in  this  town 
that  are  without  hope  in  the  Lord  ;  ma)'  the  Lord  have 
mercy  on  them.  This  morning  I  have  been  called  to 
visit  a  man  in  the  last  hours  of  life.  His  hope  is 
strong  in  the  Lord,  and  his  prospects  of  heaven  are  ap- 
parently bright.  He  could  say  but  a  word  or  two,  but 
it  was  full  of  grace  and  the  spirit  of  God.  He  leaves  a 
large  family  nearly  all  grown  up,  a  part  of  them  are  re- 
joicing in  hope.  How  sweet  it  is  to  have  our  friends,  if 
16th  they  are   taken  from  us,  sleep  in  Jesus.     I 

have  just  returned  from  the  funeral  of  the  man  that  I 
mentioned  to  you  on  the  14th.  He  died  in  an  hour  or 
two  after  I  left  in  the  triumph  of  hope.  Bro.  Wing  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  preached  the  sermon,  John  14  : 
12,  by  the  request  of  the  dying  man.     There  is  a  work 


200  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

for  somebody  to  do  to  save  this  vast  waste.  Every  day 
there  is  some  one  who,  we  hope,  comes  to  the  Lord. 
They  are  of  various  grades,  but  all  most  wicked  and  sin- 
ful. How  long  I  shall  stay,  I  cannot  say,  probably  not 
very  long,  may  the  Lord  direct.  The  other  day,  while 
preaching,  I  referred  to  the  bones  on  Brier  hill,  at  Sack- 
ett's  Harbor,  in  illustrating  the  vision  of  dry  bones  by 
Ezekiel.  There  was  present  Capt.  Lytle,  whom  I  men- 
tioned in  my  former  letter.  He  was  one  who  helped 
deposit  them  there,  and  when  I  mentioned  them  he 
could  scarcely  contain  his  emotions,  he  said  he  could 
see  nothing  but  dry  bones  all  the  evening  and  all  night. 
He  is  truly  now  a  soldier  of  Jesus,  and  trying  to  do  all 
in  his  power  to  advance  the  cause  of  the  Lord.  Brother 
Hotchkiss,  from  Potsdam,  is  here,  The  mortality  in  that 
place  has  been  very  great ;  in  less  than  six  months  one 
hundred  and  fifty  deaths,  but  scarce  none  of  them  mem- 
bers of  his  church.  The  Universalists  buried  nearly  one- 
half.  There  were  some  few  dear  lambs  of  the  flock  that 
were  brought  to  the  trying  point  and  crossed  the 
line  Oh,  how  great  is  the  care  of  them ;  perhaps 
Lisbon,  they  were  taken  from  the  evil  to  come. 
Nov.  1842.  J.  C.  the  person,  our  dear  friend,  Mrs.  R. 
took  such  interest  in  his  behalf,  is  dead.  He 
died  rather  indulging  hope  before  he  went  thence.  We 
have  heard  that  there  is  much  need  of  moral  reform  efforts, 
for  there  are  alarming  reports  of  the  violation  of  the  sev- 
enth commandment  in  this  region.  Something  should 
be  done  for  the  safety  for  the  people,  especially  the  young 
of  our  land,  or  it  may  become  a  nation  of  blood,  if  not 
already  ripe  for  destruction.  But  may  God  graciously 
save  us   from    the  jaws  of  death.     Little   did    I    think, 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  L'Ol 

when  I  was  in  A.,  and  our  friend  Miss  L.  P.  used  to  re- 
quest prayer  for  Lisbon,  that  I  should  be  sent  to  this 
place  to  prophecy  over  these  dry  bones,  but  so  it  is  the 
will  of  the  Lord  toward  us.  I  have  had  some  of  the 
most  delightful  soul  communions  in  drawing  near  to  God, 
an  enrapture  of  soul  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  yet  I  find  it  is 
one  thing  to  be  in  such  a  frame  and  then  to  be  full  of 
the  longing  of  soul  for  our  Redeemer's  cause.  I  do  want 
that  constant  feeling  for  souls  that  Paul  speaks  of,  "  I 
say  the  truth  in  Christ."  It  is  a  privilege  that  we  may  have 
to  draw  near  to  God  and  feel  that  he  draws  near  to  us. 
I  hope  you  are  cultivating  a  spirit  of  earnest  devotion. 
How  much  does  your  faith  take  hold  on  the  promises  of 
God?  I  hope  you  will  lean  much  on  the  arm  of  the 
Lord.  The  family  are  daily  remembered.  It  is  a  com- 
fort to  my  heart  that  we  have  the  prayers  of  Christian 
friends.  *  *  "  I  have  but  little  time  to  write,  and 
now  my  room  is  full.  There  have  been  four  of  the  family 
hopefully  converted.  The  head  of  the  family  is  almost 
persuaded  to  be  a  Christian,  but  there  he  seems  to 
stand.  May  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  him.  I  must 
hasten  to  a  close.  Love  to  all.  May  it  please  the 
Lord  to  let  His  blessing  descend  on  you,  is  the  prayer  of 
your  affectionate  husband. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


An  extract,  Last  Friday,  Saturday  and  Sabbath,  I 

Dec.  i st,  1842.    organized  the   Congregational  Church  at 
Lisbon,    with    sixty-five    members,    bap- 
tized twenty-eight  adults  and  two  children,  and  admin- 
13 


202  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

istered  the  Lord's  supper.  A  crowded  house  of  all 
denominations  of  Christians,  a  scene  which  was  never 
before  known  in  that  town.  Many  of  them  are  the 
first  men  of  the  town.  But  what  they  will  do  for  a 
minister  I  cannot  divine.  They  need  one  very  much  im- 
mediately, and  one  of  the  right  feeling,  views,  and  a  work- 
man. "  Pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  labor- 
ers into  the  harvest,  it  is  great  and  the  laborers  are  few.' 
There  were  quite  a  goodly  number  united  with  the 
Methodists,  and  many  will  go  to  other  churches.  Truly, 
what  hath  God  wrought  for  poor  despised  Lisbon.  To 
God  be  all  the  glory!  I  left  on  Monday  with  many  tears 
and  kind  greetings  and  adieus.  Arrived  home  2d  De- 
cember. 

L.  A  WICKES. 


Stow's  Square,  Dec.  8,  1842. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Parents: 

You  will  perceive  by  this  that  I  have  reached  another 
anniversary  of  my  life.  Truly,  how  rapid  time  has  rolled 
her  wheels  around  !  As  the  poet  says,  "  My  days,  my 
weeks,  my  months,  my  years,  fly  rapid  as  the  whirling 
spheres."  And  neither  the  sun  nor  the  moon  have  stood 
still  for  me  to  accomplish  any  of  the  duties  of  the  year. 
O,  how  sweet  the  reflection  that  we  may  live  so  as  to 
give  some  good  account  for  every  moment  at  the  last. 
But  such,  I  find,  is  not  my  life.  O,  for  that  heavenly  char- 
acter of  my  blessed  Lord,  who  went  about  doing  good ! 
I   find  it  the  most  difficult  thing  to  keep  my  heart  just 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  203 

right;  and  especially  in  making  my  yearly  returns  to  my 
parents.  If  I  have  done  but  little  I  feel  ashamed,  and 
almost  would  look  for  some  excuse.  And  if  I  have  been 
the  means  of  doing  any  good,  pride  shows  his  deformed 
head,  and  I  almost  feel  as  Moses  is  said  to  have  felt  when 
he  smote  the  rocks  and  said  :  "  You  rebels  !  Shall  /  bring 
water  out  of  this  rock  for  you  ?  If  Moses  was,  for  the 
sin  at  those  waters,  forbidden  to  enter  the  promised  land, 
why  may  not  I  expect  that  God  will  be  grieved  for  the 
pride  of  my  heart ?  Oh,  how  subtle  is  Satan!  How 
vain  and  how  pretendedly  humble !  How  devoted  and 
how  zealous,  too !  How  affectionate  and  yet  how  hate- 
ful !  O,  my  Heavenly  Father,  prepare  me  to  stand 
against  every  wile  of  the  deceiver !  !  While  I  look  over 
the  past  year,  may  I  have  my  heart  right  in  the  sight  of 
the  Lord.  During  the  past  year  the  hand  of  the  Lord 
has  been  over  me.  I  have  preached  about  450  sermons : 
attended  about  250  prayer  and  inquiry  meetings.  Here 
is  responsibility  !  How  much  good  the  Lord  has  done 
through  my  instrumentality,  He  only,  knows,  and  His 
name  shall  have  all  the  glory  and  the  honor.  And  how 
much  injury  I  may  have  done,  eternity  may  unfold  a  vast 
amount.  O,  may  the  Lord  pardon  !  How  heavenly 
minded  I  should  be  with  all  these  privileges,  and  yet  how 
little  of  the  love  of  God  do  I  possess  in  my  soul !  God 
will  certainly  require  more  of  me  than  many  others  if  my 
indebtedness  will  be  according  to  the  privileges  which  He 
1842.  does  give  me.  I  do  feel  that  I  am  far  from 
that  heavenly  state  where  the  Christian  should  be;  and 
especially  the  Christian  minister,  who  stands  to  point 
souls  to  the  port  of  rest.  O,  for  a  new  baptism  of  the 
Holy  Ghost !     During  the  year  I  have  seen  the  hopeful 


2(14  LIKE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

conversion  of  about  900  souls  !     To  God  be  all  the  glory  ! 
Yea,  "  Bless  the  Lord,  Oh  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within, 
bless    His  holy   name ! "     Heaven    has  rejoiced,  and  so 
will  I  mingle  my  joys.     But  how  many  of  these  may  yet 
be  living  in  sin,  and  may  be  deceived,   I   know  not.     O, 
may   the  kind   Lord   undeceive  any  that  may  be   thus  ! 
Possibly  some  were.     If  I  only  knew   who   they  were  I 
would  warn  them.     And   those  who  have  been  brought 
to  the  true  fold  of  Jesus,  precious  souls,  my  heart  feels 
for  them  !     O,  the  snares  which  will  be  laid  for  their  feet ! 
Great  Shepherd  of  Israel,  keep  Thou  them  !   I  have  organ- 
ized two  churches  one  of  sixty-two  and  the  other  sixty- 
five  members;    ordained   four  deacons   by  laying  on   of 
hands;    baptized   about   fifty   adults;    administered    the 
Lord's  supper  four  times.     Some  have  gone  to  the  grave 
from  among  those  who  have  given  evidence  of  their  turn- 
ing to  the  Lord,  and  they  have  gone  in   the  triumphs  of 
faith.      For    which,   may   the   Lord   accept   my   humble 
thanks !     ( ),  I  love  to  see  or  hear  of  their  leaving  earth  with 
the  prospect  of  heaven  in  full  view;   to  range  the  blessed 
field  on  the  side  of  the  river,  and  sing  hallelujah  for  ever 
and  ever!     Oh,  the  Christian's  work  is  only  begun  when 
he  enters  upon  his  immortal  spiritual  life.     Who  would 
not  love  Jesus?      Who  would  not  be  a  follower  of  the 
Lamb?     What  an  honor  conferred  on  mortals  of  a  sinful 
race !     Cold  and  sordid  must  be  that  heart  that  can  be- 
hold no  beauties  in  the  Savior.      When  all  heaven  does 
adore  Him,  and  all  hell  stands  trembling  at   His  power! 
O,  for  more  faith  in   Jesus — to  see  greater  things  than 
these.      Why   shall    I    limit   my  blessed   Lord  ?      May 
heaven  forbid  and  forgive !     I   have  traveled  during  the 
year  about  1,300  miles.      Truly  the  Lord   is  my  helper ! 


LEWIS    ALFRED   WICKES.  205 

And  this  year,  too,  has  been  signal  with  the  afflictive 
hand  of  God  upon  me.  For  a  few  days  He  brought  me 
to  the  sides  of  the  tomb.  For  four  months,  nearly,  I  did 
not  perform  any  ministerial  labor  of  consequence.  My 
affliction  was  good  for  me;  I  adore  His  hand  for  it.  It 
has  taught  me  many  precious  lessons.  It  was  truly  a 
testing  spot.  Then  I  saw  truly  more  than  ever  the 
beauty  of  my  Savior's  love.  For  a  little  moment  1  did 
feel  that  I  must  be  the  first  to  be  taken  from  your  circle, 
but  the  Lord  otherwise  decreed.  It  was  then  He 
brought  me  to  see  the  need  of  being  more  faithful  in  the 
cause  of  Jesus.  Then  I  renewedly  consecrated  all  the 
powers  to  this  service  which  He  will  give  me.  Yet  how 
poorly  have  I  fulfilled  what  I  did  vow  !  I  can  truly  say : 
"  Prone  to  wander,  Lord,  I  feel  it ;  prone  to  leave  the  God 
I  love."  Yet  pray  the  Lord  to  place  His  seal  on  this 
heart  of  mine.  The  clock  has  struck  twelve  of  the  mid- 
night hour  and  I  must  close.  This  day  of  public  thanks- 
giving, I  feel,  should  have  thanks  from  one  so  greatly 
blessed  as  I  have  been.     Adieu  for  the  night. 

Friday  morning,  9th.  The  Lord  has  been  very  kind 
to  me  another  night,  and  His  tender  mercies  are  over  me 
again.  "  O,  to  grace  a  debtor,  daily  I  am  constrained  to 
be !  "  Every  day  brings  new  mercies  and  lays  me  under 
renewed  obligations  to  God  for  all  His  kindness.  While 
the  Lord  has  not  taken  me  away,  and  thus  broken  the 
family  circle,  yet  that  circle  has  been  broken  by  another 
— yes,  she  has  gone !  Dear  sister!  the  Lord  has  called 
her  away.  That  voice  that  so  sweetly  used  to  make  the 
circle  delighted  with  her  sweet  anthems  is  now  hushed 
upon  earth.  But,  blessed  be  God,  I  hope  it  is  not  closed 
in  the  courts  above.     Let  not  the  heart  murmur,  my  dear 


206  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

parents.  We  have  always  known  that  we  must  be 
broken  as  a  family.  While  the  heart  may  weep  (and  it 
would  be  unnatural  not  to),  yet  feel  all  is  well.  I  know 
that  all  our  hopes  must  hang  on  Jesus,  who  can  bind  up 
the  broken  heart  and  say  to  all  sorrow  depart,  and  it 
shall  obey  Him.  I  have  looked  every  day  for  a  letter 
from  some  of  you,  giving  the  particulars  of  her  death,  but 
as  yet  have  looked  in  vain.  I  hope  such  a  letter  I  may 
soon  receive.  I  have  sometimes  felt  it  was  too  much  to 
be  separated  from  my  family  as  I  have  been  since  the 
month  of  September;  and  yet  I  feel  that  the  Lord  has 
called  me  to  this  very  place.  I  wish  to  do  the  will  of  my 
heavenly  Father,  and  all  the  self-denial  which  I  can  pos- 
sibly practice  is  nothing  to  be  compared  to  the  self-denial 
of  my  Savior.  I  want  the  family  all  to  hear  the  voice  of 
Providence  in  the  death  of  our  dear  sister  C — ,  saying:  "  Be 
ye  also  ready ! "  and  all  serve  the  Lord  faithfully.  All 
send  love.  Remember  me  affectionately  to  all,  and  ever 
pray  for 

Your  son, 

L.  A.   WICKES. 


CHAPTER    XV. 


MEETINGS   AT  WOODVILLE,   COPENHAGEN 
AND  RODMAN. 


My  Dear  Affectionate  Wife: 

WOODVILLE,  Dec.   12,   1842. 

•  •-? 

REACHED  this  place  on  Saturday  evening 
'Jgb  about  eight  o'clock,  and  found  a  few  gathered  to- 
Pfeffr  gether  for  a  prayer-meeting  and  there  seemed  to 
be  some  feeling  among  them.  On  Sabbath,  Bro.  Pond 
went  to  Belleville  and  left  me  alone  to  preach  to  his 
people.  The  church  is  small,  and  will  not  hold  to  ex- 
ceed two  hundred  and  fifty  or  thereabouts.  The  congre- 
gation on  yesterday  was  only  about  one  hundred  and 
thirty.  A  small  number,  indeed.  Responsibility  is 
diminished  as  numbers  diminish,  yet  it  looks  rather  dark. 
It  is  true  there  have  been  several  protracted  meetings 
here,  and  they  have  been  burnt  over  by  all  kinds 
of  fire,  holy  fire,  wild  fire,  and  Satan's  fire.  They 
have     two     churches,    Congregationalist     and    Baptist. 

207 


208  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

Here  are  some  scattering  Methodists,  and  there  is 
almost  everything  else  here.  The  village  contains 
about  twenty  families,  no  tavern,  one  distillery  (the 
devil's  teapot)  that  keeps  a  constant  groaning  in  its  ma- 
chinery resembling  very,  very  faintly  the  groaning  of 
those  who  shall  be  destroyed  by  their  works.  O,  that 
God  would  break  down  their  iniquities.  What  the 
Lord  may  order  about  these  things  here  and  in  this 
county,  I  cannot  say.  It  truly  is  a  desolation.  Bro.  B. 
wants  me  to  labor  with  him,  and  Bro.  S.  wants  me  to 
come  to  Rodman.  But  what  duty  is,  I  cannot  say. 
I  think  I  shall  not,  however,  make  any  positive  engage- 
ment in  this  region  for  the  present.  But  let  us  culti- 
vate much  of  the  spirit  of  our  heavenly  Father.  There 
is  a  joy  that  the  child  of  God  may  possess  in  the 
life  of  the  Christian.  I  do  feel  that  we  may  have  a 
more  glorious  view  of  heavenly  realities,  and  the  worth  ot 
souls,  the  infinite  sacrifice  that  has  been  made  to 
purchase  our  eternal  redemption  from  sin,  and  I  do 
feel  that  I  want  that  love  of  the  Savior  to  dwell 
in  me  that  the  life  which  I  live  "I  may  live  by  faith  in  the 
son  of  God."  O!  that  God  would  help  my  unbelief. 
Do  pray  for  me  that  I  may  possess  more  of  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord,  whose  I  am  and  whom  I  serve. 
Remember  me  affectionately  to  all  the  friends  in 
Albany  and  in  Troy.  May  my  little  girls  be  the 
best  in  A.  until  I  come,  and  do  every  thing  to  please 
the  Lord  and  then  you  will  be  loved  by  all.  *  *  * 
I  have  just  heard  from  Lisbon.  The  work  of  the 
Lord    is    still    going    on    in    that    place. 

Your  affectionate  Husband  and  Father. 

L.    A.    WICKES. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  209 

Woodvillk,  Jan.   2,    1843. 
Dear   Sister   E. : 

I  received  your  line  by  Mr.  C.  yesterday.  I  in- 
tended to  close  the  meeting  yesterday  but  some  felt 
they  could  not  consent  to  have  it  closed.  Though 
it  is  very  thinly  attended  indeed,  and  it  promises  to 
be  extensive  from  the  fact  that  the  people  in  the 
vicinity  around  do  not  attend  much.  Nearly  every 
person  who  has  attended  in  the  day  time  has  been 
hopefully  converted,  how  many  I  can  not  say.  But 
there  is  an  unpleasant  feeling  between  some  members 
of  the  churches.  Though  in  this  church  there  is 
now  pretty  good  state  of  feeling.  Backsliders  have 
been  reclaimed  by  the  scores.  There  is  a  large  circle 
of  young  people,  who  have  been  brought  back  to 
the  fold  of  Christ,  among  them  are  two  sisters  of 
Mr.  C.  To  God  be  all  the  glory.  The  meeting  I 
now  think  will  hold  but  a  few  days.  May  the  Lord 
direct.  The  people  in  Belleville  are  very  anxious  to 
hold  a  meeting  there.  But  I  know  not  whether  I 
shall.  So  also  Bro.  Spears  has  been  here,  to  have 
me  go  to  Rodman.  But  I  now  think  that  my  first 
business  will  be  to  go  after  my  family  when  I  close 
here.  Pray  much  dear  sister.  Live  at  the  feet  of 
the    Saviour.     Love  to    all. 

Your  brother  in  haste. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

Soon  after  he  brought  home  his  family  from  Albany 
and  commenced  a  meeting  at  Copenhagen  which  re- 
sulted in  much  good. 


210  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

-Copenhagen,  Feb.    nth.    1843. 
My  Dear   Bro.   Cross: 

To  You  will    perceive  by  the  date   of  this    that 

Mr.  Cross.  I  am  still  in  the  land  of  the  living.  Though 
it  is  just  a  year  to  day  since  God  laid  his  hand  on 
me  in  H.  and  I  came  near  to  the  grave.  I  am  a 
great  debtor  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  kindness  to  me. 
And  I  should  have  gone  to  the  tomb  long  ere  this  I  do 
believe  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  prayers  of  God's 
dear  people.  "I  was  brought  low1,  and  he  helped  me." 
To  His  name  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor — I  have 
endured  much  more  labor  the  year  past  than  I  ever 
thought  I  should  be  able  to  perform.  And  my  health 
is  now  quite  good.  Since  I  parted  with  you  my  dear 
Bro.,  I  have  had  many  conflicts  in  my  own  feelings 
I  can  asure  you.  I  have  never  had  so  heavy  weight 
on  my  heart  as  I  have  had  for  the  dear  friends  in 
St.  L.  County.  My  very  heart  has  been  borne 
down  with  a  longing  for  the  dear  people  of  God. 
I  did  not  know  how  much  I  did  love  that  people. 
Truly  my  heart  was  knit  to  them  and  I  feel  they 
are  like  parents  and  children  to  me.  May  God  pre- 
serve   them.     I    have   had    many   feelings    of    whether 

*  In  a  sermon  preached,  while  holding  a  meeting  at  Copen- 
hagen, he  related  an  incident  respecting  a  young  man  putting  up  a 
barn.  He  had  prepared  his  timbers,  got  his  bents  all  placed  ready 
to  raise,  called  his  neighbors  to  help  raise  it.  It  began  to  rain, 
his  neighbors  thought  it  dangerous  to  raise  such  heavy  timbers  when 
wet.  He  took  an  oath  and  said  it  should  be  raised  if  he  "went 
to  hell"!!  They  all  attempted  to  raise  the  first  bent,  when  about 
half  way  up  it  slipped  and  fell,  and  caught  his  head,  and  smashed 
his  brains,  scattering  them  in  every  direction.  A  man  in  the  con- 
gregation immediately  arose,  and  said  it  was  a  fact  for  he  saw  it. 
It  produced  a  striking   effect. 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  211 

it  is  duty  to  remain  in  this  region.  Yet  there  is  an 
appearance  of  a  great  door  being  open  in  this  com- 
munity. The  meeting  at  W.  was  rather  poorly  at- 
tended. Much  of  the  weather  was  very  unfavorable 
and  the  obstacles  in  the  way  were  most  mighty  and 
great,  yet  the  Lord  got  himself  a  name  there.  There 
were  somewhere  between  sixty  and  eighty  hopefully  con- 
verted and  reclaimed  from  their  backslidings.  Our  Baptist 
brethren  did  not  come  in  as  a  church,  Though  some 
took  hold  with  all  their  might.  I  have  been  here  a 
little  over  three  weeks,  God's  spirit  is  among  us 
though  the  whole  community  are  on  the  move  yet 
Christians  are  not  where  they  should  be.  I  wish  I 
had  you  here  to  help.  No.  I  do  not  either.  For  I 
want  you  to  go  to  L.  if  it  is  duty.  And  I  do  think 
it  is  for  the  present.  I  received  a  letter  from  there  a 
day  or  two  since  in  which  they  say  they  could  have 
got  you  there,  if  you  had  not  thought  it  would  have 
interfered  with  me.  Now  my  Bro.  you  need  not  be 
afraid  of  such  at  all.  And  I  do  think  you  cannot 
serve  the  cause  of  Christ  better  than  to  go  there, 
and  at  W.  or  H.  I  had  thought  about  the  time  I 
left  you  that  I  should  locate.  But  the  providence 
of  God  seems  to  forbid  my  doing  it.  Calls  multiply 
above  measure.  I  have  calls  from  Rodman,  Belleville, 
Brownville,  Smithville,  Mansville,  Sackett's  Harbor,  etc., 
etc.,  so  that  I  do  not  know  where  there  is  a  stopping 
place.  I  do  think  brother  that  you  can  do  a  good 
work  in  L.  And  if  they  send  for  you,  do  go,  if  it  is 
only  for  a  year.  I  have  written  to  them  accordingly. 
May  God  direct  you.  Put  on  your  fisher's  coat  and 
bound  into  the   great  deep  of  the  fishes'  abode,  and  God 


212  FIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

will  help  you.  I  feel  dear  brother  you  would  be  the 
means  of  saving  that  church  in  its  infancy.  May 
God  direct  and  bless  you.  Write  soon  and  let  me 
know  all  about  things.  Tell  Dea.  W.  to  pray  God  to  di- 
rect me.  Love  to  him  and  all  the  dear  brethren.  Re- 
member me    to  Mrs.  C! 

In    haste   your    Bro.    in    Christ. 

L.    A.   WICKES. 


Rodman,  Feb.  27,  1843. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

My  ride  to  this  place  was  very  cold  and  tedious.  I 
called  a  little  while  at  Bro.  A — 's.  Met  there  a  Bro.  S — 
and  wife,  from  over  in  Greig,  whom  I  had  not  seen  since 
I  left  there,  when  holding  a  meeting  there.  They  in- 
formed me  that  prospects  were  more  favorable  than  they 
had  been.  Called  at  Dea.  D — 's,  about  four  miles  from 
this  place,  who  is  a  deacon  of  this  church  and  one  of  the 
most  efficient  members,  and  found  him  very  sick,  and  still 
is  so.  Reached  here  while  people  were  assembling  for 
meeting.  Bro.  Spears  was  reading  the  Scriptures,  intro- 
ductory to  a  prayer-meeting.  There  were  something  like 
a  hundred  present  and  many  of  them  were  real  loungers, 
as  though  some  of  them  had  come  to  meeting  to  make  it 
a  place  of  rest.  Got  hold  of  the  feelings  of  some.  Fri- 
day morning  but  little  done;  only  a  few  there,  and  that 
few  very  cold.  The  state  of  feeling  has  gone  back  for  a 
week  or  two,  so  that  I  did  not  have  a  just  idea  of  it. 
In  the  afternoon  a  few  out  in  comparison  to  the  whole 
number.     In   the  evening  a  pretty  good  attendance  and 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  213 

some  feeling".     Saturday,  some  few  out,  but  not  much  in- 
crease as  to  feeling  or  numbers.     Sabbath    we  had  a 
houseful,  which  will  hold  about  four  hundred,  and  the 
Lord  has  made  His  truth  effectual  during  the  day.     The 
characters  of  Abraham   and   Eli   had  a  most   powerful 
effect  on   all  the  congregation.     May  God,  by  His  spirit, 
carry  it  home  to  the  conscience,  and  sanctify  it  to  many 
souls.     In  the  evening  I  did   not  feel   well,   and   did   not 
preach  much.     I   felt  ashamed  to  think  I  should  cripple 
the  word  of  the  Lord   so  much.      Last   evening  went  to 
meeting  much  as  the  ox  goeth  to  the  slaughter;  felt  un- 
able to  preach.      But   the   Lord   helped   me  very  much, 
thanks  to  His  holy  name!     Why  should  I  be  so  distrust- 
ful, and  question  the  promises  of  God  so  much,  and  be  so 
unwilling  to  leave  all  in   His  hands?     O,  that  this  heart 
of    stone  were   subdued !      The   forenoon   meeting   was 
quite  interesting;  some  considerable  feeling.     This  after- 
noon the  Lord  was  in  our  midst.      One  lady  to-day,  a 
married   lady,  hoped  she  gave  all  to   Christ,  though  very 
weak  and  feeble.     Some  of  our  friends  here  from  Wood- 
ville.      The    Lord    is  still  there,  though  no  conversions 
since  I  left  there.     It  is  a  subject   that  1   think  I  must 
devote  some    thought    upon :     Why  there  are  no  more 
conversions  after  the  meetings  close,  and  the  remedy  for 
that  evil?     I  have  coughed  so  much  that  I  feel  some  sore 
Rodman,       across     my    lungs,     but     the    Lord    may 
Feb.  28,  1843.   strengthen    me    yet.      To-day  is    the   last 
day  of  winter.     How  quick  time  has  fled  and  gone,  and 
yet  how  replete  with  deep  interest!      How  much  good  or 
evil  the  Lord  only  knows,  has  been    done.      O,  how   I 
should  live  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  where  I  may  have  the 
aid  and  direction  of  my  heavenly  Father!     One  year  ago 


214  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

now  we  were  in  Hermon  and  in  other  circumstances  than 
now.  How  kind  the  Lord  has  been  to  us  !  O,  may  we 
be  humble,  and  ever  adore  the  grace  that  God  has  given 
to  us !  What  may  be  the  result  of  another  year  we  know 
not;  let  us  act  accordingly,  and  live  more  like  pilgrims  on 
the  earth.  There  is  more  need  of  our  living  humble 
than,  perhaps,  almost  any  others,  for  we  are  liable  to 
temptations  which  others  are  not,  or  may  not  have  from 
the  very  places  in  which  we  are  placed  in.  Thus,  we 
have  commenced  the  months  of  spring.  O,  may  it  prove 
to  us  a  putting  forth  of  new  and  strong  desires  for  the 
salvation  and  good  of  souls,  and  a  new  life  of  obedience 
to  God !  On  the  last  day  of  winter  we  called  forward 
the  whole  of  the  church  in  public  confession  and  humili- 
ation, when  a  large  number  came  forward  and  renewed 
their  covenant  vows  to  God;  and  the  day  following  they 
unbosomed  themselves  in  full,  so  that  the  impenitent  felt 
they  were  left  without  one  excuse.  Yesterday  I  called 
for  prayers  in  the  morning  meeting  and  there  were  about 
thirty  came  forward,  and,  we  hope,  some  seven  or  eight 
gave  themselves  to  the  Lord,  and  the  work  seems  to  be 
deepening  quite  fast.  Bro.  S — 's  family  I  have  some 
hope  for.  May  they  come  to  Jesus  and  live  devoted 
lives  !  O,  what  a  thought  to  bring  up  children  for  sin 
and  woe !  The  more  I  think  of  it  the  more  I  see  the  im- 
portance of  placing  children  under  the  influence  of  piety 
and  humble  devotedness  to  God.  And  what  a  responsi- 
bility is  resting  upon  us !  May  the  Lord  direct  us  in  the 
path  of  light.  At  the  closing  up  of  the  meeting  on  the 
last  evening,  about  one  hundred  expressed  an  interest  in 
the  love  of  a  Savior.  Pray  much  for  me,  and  for  this 
place.     Love  to  all.  Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  215 

Rodman,  March  18,  1843. 
Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

On  account  of  snow  we  have  had  no  mail  from  the 
east  for  a  week,  but  we  have  not  had  enough  snow  to 
prevent  our  having  meetings,  until  this  evening  I  thought 
it  not  best  to  have  any  meeting,  for  it  snows  and  blows 
very  much  and  the  prospects  are  very  gloomy  as  to  get- 
ting out  a  congregation.  The  roads  are  very  much 
blocked  up,  and  it  is  doubtful  whether  there  will  be  any 
getting  out  to-morrow.  "  But  sufficient  to  the  day  is  the 
evil  thereof."  Since  I  wrote  you  the  Lord  has  been  with 
us  here,  and  quite  a  number  have  bowed  to  the  sceptre 
of  love.  A  much  greater  proportion  are  females  than  the 
other  sex. 

2 1  st.  Since  dating  this  I  have  not  had  time  to  write 
any  more  until  this  morning.  I  preached  on  Sabbath 
two  and  three-fourths  hours  in  one  sermon,  on  account 
of  the  storm,  which  has  been  very  severe  here.  The  roads 
have  been  completely  blocked  up,  so  that  it  has  been 
about  impossible  to  get  out,  yet  we  have  had  a  number 
out  and  almost  daily  some  have  come  to  the  Lord ;  yet 
things  drag  much.  I  said  nothing  though  I  was  at  meet- 
ing, except  in  personal  conversation,  and  last  evening 
stayed  at  my  room  and  tried  to  cure  my  cough,  which 
has  followed  me  up  all  the  time  and  is  now  accompanied 
by  a  pain  on  my  lung,  something  as  when  at  H — .  But 
I  am  in  hopes  to  throw  it  off;  perhaps  I  cannot.  May 
the  Lord  direct  me  what  to  do !  Elder  C —  has  gone  on 
with  the  meeting  at  B — ,  and  I  think  it  very  doubtful 
whether   I   shall  go  there  at  all.     The  people  of  Adams 


216  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

are  quite  anxious,  and  are  making  arrangements  for  me 
to  come  there,  I  will  if  possible.  I  have  not  given  them 
much  encouragement  as  yet,  and  I  doubt  very  much 
whether  it  will  be  duty  for  me  while  I  have  such  a  con- 
stant cough.  Yet  there  is  appearance  of  good  for  that 
place.  Some  from  there  have  been  brought  to  bow  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross.  Since  I  wrote  you  Bro.  N —  has 
sent  from  Hopkinton  to  get  me  to  come  there.  I  have 
Rodman,  answered  in  the  negative.  So  there  has 
March,  1843.  been  a  delegation  here  from  Gouverneur,  to 
have  me  come  and  hold  a  meeting  with  the  new  church 
organized  there,  by  the  St.  Lawrence  Consociation. 
But  I  do  not  see  the  way  clear,  for  the  present,  to  go 
there  Also  I  have  had  a  pressing  request  from  the 
church  in  Rome,  Oneida  County,  under  the  pastoral  care 
of  the  Rev.  C.  Jones.  To  this,  for  the  present,  I  have 
returned  a  negative  answer.  What  God  has  for  me  to 
do  I  cannot  say;  or  whether  it  is  to  come  to  the  grave 
I  know  not,  but  let  me  be  prepared  for  any  and  every 
place  where  the  Lord  may  call  me.  I  have  no  positive 
engagement  after  this  meeting,  though  quite  a  number  of 
applications.  Let  us  pray  much  for  the  guidance  of  His 
spirit  in  this  time  of  anxiety.  The  churches  here  were  in 
a  wretched  and  broken  condition  and  no  piety  that 
showed  itself  among  the  people,  except  in  a  very  few 
cases.  But  some  of  the  brethren  have  got  hold  on  the 
arm  of  the  Lord.  And  the  young  converts  do  work 
nobly.  Yet  it  is  difficult  to  please  all,  and  it  is  a  hard 
matter  to  keep  things  in  that  path  where  they  may  all 
feel  to  work.  The  Methodists  want  more  noise;  some 
of  this  church  do  not  want  any  noise  at  all.  One  thinks 
that  no  one  can  be  converted  without  crying  out  loud  ; 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  217 

another,  none  can  be  savingly  converted  because  there  is 
now  and  then  an  "  amen "  through  the  house,  so  that  un- 
belief is  on  all  sides;  yet  the  Lord  will  honor  Himself  in 
the  salvation  of  souls.  Mr.  Spears  feels  very  deeply  for 
his  sons,  and  prays  very  much  for  them.  May  all  the 
family  feel  an  equal  responsibility  and  act  in  the  fear  of 
God,  praying  without  ceasing.  Pray  much  for  me  and 
for  this  place.  Bro.  Spears  has  just  been  in  and  advised 
me  not  to  go  out  this  morning,  but  I  think  I  must. 
Tell  the  dear  children  to  be  good  and  love  their  ma  and 
all,  and  especially  their  Savior,  who  is  their  best  friend. 
Kiss  little  Sarah  for  me.  Sweet  child — she  hardly  knows 
what  fatlier  means.  She  is  almost  like  a  fatherless  one. 
May  the  Lord  smile  upon  her!  Let  us  study  to  be  more 
of  a  heavenly  temperament,  and  our  little  ones  learn  to 
become  like  Christ,  our  glorified  Savior.  I  must  close. 
Love  to  all.     In  haste. 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


'4 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


FROM  MRS.  WICKES,  TO  HER  SISTER.     MEET- 
INGS   AT    BELLEVILLE,   AND    ADAMS. 

Belleville,  March  31st,   1843. 
Dear  Sister: 

\Y  this  time  you  will  begin  to  look  for  a  letter  as 
j^j  you  see  we  have  not  turned  our  course  towards 
home.  After  getting  to  Rodman  through  un- 
trod  roads,  snow-drifts,  and  storm,  I  concluded  it  was 
the  will  of  Providence  that  I  should  remain  until  hus- 
band had  determined  what  his  duty  was  in  regard 
to  his  engagements  in  this  place.  He  had  an  appoint- 
ment at  Belleville,  on  Wed.  eve.  He  commenced  the  meet- 
ing Monday  and  closed  up  on  Tuesday  eve.,  but  at  the 
earnest  solvations  of  the  people  of  R.  they  constrained 
him  to  stay  another  day  still.  Wednesday  morning 
the  meeting  continued,  and  in  the  afternoon  messen- 
gers came  from  Belleville  to  see  if  he  was  going  to  come 
and  commence  here  in  the  evening,  as  every  arrange- 
ment had  been  made,  and  all  were  expecting  him. 
He  sent  them  word  he  would  be  here  Thursday  eve., 
putting  them  off  one  day.  When  the  meeting  closed 
Wed.  night  about  seventy  rose  that  thought  they  had 
been  converted  since  last  Sabbath.  Bro.  H's  house  was 
thronged  until  noon  yesterd.iy  when  we  left  and  came  to 

218 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  219 

this  place.  There  was  a  large  congregation  out  last 
eve.  The  results  of  this  meeting  are  yet  to  be  seen. 
I  hope  the  Lord  will  overrule  all  to  His  own  glory. 
If  the  Lord  has  a  work  for  us  to  do  in  B.  I  trust  He 
will  strengthen  us  to  do  it.  The  Presbyterian  church 
is  in  a  very  low  state  though  they  are  quite  united 
with  the  Methodists  who  are  considerably  engaged  in 
sustaining  this  meeting.  The  prospects  have  been 
very  favorable  to-day.  Sat.,  April  1st.  Last  night  the 
churches  consecrated  themselves  to  this  work  publicly. 
I  trust  the  Lord  will  do  great  things  for  this  people. 
Husband  works  on  without  stopping  to  think  about  his 
cold.  Wc  are  in  the  family  of  Dr.  H.  They  have  five 
children.  Youngest  is  a  pleasant  little  girl  between 
eleven  and  twelve;  the  oldest  daughter  is  hoping.  All 
appear  attentive,  the  two  sons  especially  thoughtful. 
Their  own  mother  died  about  three  or  four  years  since, 
a  devoted  Christian.  Hope  we  shall  see  all  the  children 
choosing  God  for  their  portion.  I  trust  the  Lord  will 
make  you  all  His  care  while  we  aim  to  labor  in  His  blessed 
cause.     Pray  for  us. 

Your  affectionate  sister, 

C.  WICKES. 


Belleville,  April  i,  1843. 
An  Extract. — Have  just  returned  from  meeting  this 
evening.  A  large  congregation  out;  and  it  was  very 
solemn  and  attentive  ,and  indeed,  in  all  the  exercises  of  the 
day  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  has  seemed  to  overshadow  the 
sanctuary.      Humble  confessions,  with  many  tears,  have 


220  LIFE  AND   LKTTJERS  OF 

been  poured  forth  from  professing  Christians.  At  the 
close  of  the  sermon  to-night  quite  a  number  rose  to  be 
prayed  for.  May  we  not  expect  glorious  things  at  the 
hand  of  our  God?  There  is  a  large  body  of  snow  on  the 
ground;  sleighs  come  loaded  to  meeting  with  people  from 
every  direction,  which  seems  very  singular  at  this  season 
of  the  year,  but  our  "  God  that  rules  on  high,  and  thun- 
ders when  He  please,"  he  rolls  the  seasons  round  and 
will  overrule  all  things  right. 

Tuesday  evening,  iith.  I  know  not  when  the  Lord 
will  permit  us  to  return  home.  There  is  a  great  work  to 
be  done  here.  The  meeting  is  increasingly  interesting; 
there  have  been  conversions  daily,  and  to-day  quite  a 
goodly  number  have  come  out  on  the  Lord's  side,  for 
which  we  thank  God.  Elder  C.  closed  his  meeting  last 
Sabbath.  The  work  is  moving  on  here.  People  come 
to  meeting  on  wheels  and  sleighs  also.  The  meeting 
with  the  children  has  been  very  interesting  every  day 
since  it  began.  The  people  in  Adams  are  waiting  impa- 
tiently for  pa  to  commence  there.  Their  minister  was 
after  him  yesterday,  wishing  to  commence  immediately. 
Hope  the  Lord  will  direct  in  all  the  way.  The  meeting- 
continues  here;  the  work,  however,  moves  slowly.  The 
churches  were  in  a  different  state  than  what  was  sup- 
posed— many  hindrances  and  obstacles  in  the  way  to 
impede  the  progress  of  this  blessed  work.  There  has 
been  no  open  opposition  from  the  wicked,  but  rather  a 
disposition  to  linger  around  and  listen.  The  lack  has 
been  altogether  on  the  part  of  Zion,  and  a  general  back- 
sliding equal  to  any  place  of  our  acquaintance,  and  an 
inclination  to  cover  it  up  and  smother  it,  rather  than 
confess   and   forsake   it,   such  as  never  was  seen  in  any 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  221 

other  locality.  This  has  been  one  great  hindrance.  If 
they  could  only  come  as  impenitent  sinners  they  would 
be  willing,  but  to  confess  any  former  pretensions  to  re- 
ligion— then  be  called  backsliders  ! — it  was  so  humiliating 
and  vexing  that  many  detested  the  thought  of  it;  even 
some  members  of  the  church  yet  remain  in  the  same 
plight.  Another  great  hindrance,  and  which  ever  gives 
the  death  blow  to  the  work  of  God.  For  about  ten  days 
before  the  Baptists  closed  their  meeting  there  was  but 
little  else  done  but  to  urge  individuals  into  the  water; 
consequently  it  would  be  the  prevailing  talk,  and  so  the 

April  20.        spirit  of  God   was   awfully   grieved   away. 

Belleville,  This  has  happily  subsided,  in  some  meas- 
ure at  least.  When  will  men  learn  not  to  pursue  such  a 
course  of  wrong? 

Some  interest  manifested  in  meeting  to-day,  and  many 
professors  of  religion  just  begin  to  think  that  God  is 
going  to  do  a  great  work  in  B — .  Now,  "  God  is  the 
same  yesterday,  to-day  and  forever  "  He  is  always  ready 
to  pour  out  His  rich  blessings,  and  He  would  never  with- 
hold it  if  His  people  were  always  ready  to  receive  it,  and 
just  in  proportion  as  they  open  the  avenues  to  receive, 
so  He  pours  in  the  blessing.  What  a  striking  providence 
in  the  death  of  Brother  A —  S — .  May  it  be  overruled 
for  the  good  of  the  Zion  of  God  in  S.  S.  Truly  the 
church  is  called  upon  loudly  to  "work  while  the  day 
lasts."  May  not  some  mercy  drops  fall  on  that  place 
yet,  while  the  genial  showers  of  divine  grace  are  visiting 
multitudes  of  other  places  all  around.  The  meeting  in 
Belleville  closed  Sabbath  night  or  rather  Monday  morning ; 
considering  all  things  it  was  a  very  profitable  season. 
If   it  could  have  continued  two  or  three  weeks  longer, 


222  LIFE   AXD  LETTERS  OF 

obstacles  Avould  have  continued  to  be  removed,  and  the 
results  would  have  been  many  more  conversions. 
About  eighty  took  their  seats  and  gave  their  names  as 
subjects  of  the  work.  On  acount  of  the  badness  of  the 
roads,  quite  a  number  of  the  converts  were  not  present. 
Dr.  H's  family  shared  in  the  work,  Left  the  kind  and 
dear  family  that  afternoon  and  came  to  Adams,  Tuesday- 
evening;  preached  to  a  very  large  audience  Wednesday. 
Adams,  Not  as  many  out  during  the  day.  Fri.,  pros- 
April  26.  pects  yesterday  more  encouraging.  Many 
are  expecting  to  see  great  things;  should  their  expecta- 
tions be  founded  on  a  right  source,  no  doubt  they 
will  realize  their  anticipations,  especially  if  they  act  ac- 
cordingly. No  meeting  at  the  church  this  morning,  but 
we  have  had  an  interesting  prayer  meeting  around  the 
May  family  altar,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  D.  Here  a 
1st.  young  woman  commenced  a  praying  life,  and  a 
young  man  came  out  last  night  and  prayed  with  us  at 
the  family  devotions.  The  work  is  moving  on  in  this 
place.  Some  fears  of  relaxation  of  responsibility  on 
the  part  of  some,  while  others  are  coming  in  more 
readily.  There  is  a  great  work  to  be  done  here,  and  un- 
foreseen obstacles  do,  and  will  appear.  But  God  is 
able  and  willing  to  accomplish  and  triumph  over  all. 
Yesterday  was  a  Sabbath  of  much  interest.  People 
from  Rutland,  Rodman,  Belleville,  and  Woodville,  here 
at  meeting.  We  do  not  forget  our  dear  children  and 
friends  at  home,  but  morning  and  night  commit  them  to 
our  heavenly  Father's  care.  Shall  write  soon  again. 
Love  to  all, 

Yours  affectionately, 

L.  A.  AND  C.  WICKES. 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  223 

Adams,  May  9,  1843. 
An  extract.  Sabbath  afternoon,  the  people  voted 
to  have  the  meeting  continued  and  all  say  he  must 
not  leave  now.  There  are  conversions,  some  very  in- 
teresting cases,  among  the  first  class  of  young  gentle- 
men and  ladies.  The  Lord  is  evidently  with  his  Holy 
Spirit  like  a  cloud  of  mercy  hovering  over  this  place.  But 
the  season  of  the  year  among  farmers  especially,  and 
other  reasons,  occasion  the  movement  of  this  work  to  be 
gradual.  The  work  of  the  Lord  has  taken  a  new  impulse 
and  it  has  been  remarked  by  individuals  that  this  place 
has  not  seen  such  a  time  since  the  revival  when  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Finney  and  Mr.  Parker  were  converted.  Religion  is 
the  general  topic  of  conversation  throughout  the  commu- 
nity. Yesterday  there  was  a  full,  attentive  and  a  solemn 
congregation,  and  a  unanimous  vote  by  all  to  have  the 
meeting  still  go  on.  Many  express  the  conviction  that 
seems  to  be  deeply  impressed  on  their  minds  that  this  is 
the  last  call  they  shall  ever  have,  and  truly  it  does  appear 
to  be  a  time  of  momentous  interest  to  many,  not  to  say 
of  awful  consequences  for  time  and  eternity.  A  young 
lady  from  Washingtonville  who  was  converted  last  week 
called  this  morning  to  say  farewell;  she  returns  home  to- 
day, and  another  from  Western.  A  young  man  from 
Henderson  has  become  hopefully  pious.  Some  friends 
from  Rodman  and  Belleville  have  been  here  considerably. 
There  are  three  or  four  churches  in  Ellisburg  destitute  of 
any  minister  and  they  are  trying  to  unite  all  their  energies 
to  see  if  they  cannot  get  help  and  a  protracted  effort. 
The  church  in  North  Adams  have  sent  a  special  request 
to  have  a  meeting  commence  there  next  week  or  as  soon 
as  possible.     Thus  calls  for    labor   continually  multiply. 


-24  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

May  the  Lord  teach  what  duty  is  and  give  a  willing  mind 
to  perform  it  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  in  all  meekness,  trust- 
ing Him  as  to  results,  so  that  these  "  trials  "  may  work 
patience,  and  patience  experience,  experience  hope,  and 
hope  maketh  not  ashamed  because  the  love  of  God  is 
shed  abroad  in  the  heart  by  the  Holy  Ghost  given,  and 
may  it  be  abundant,  especially  at  this  time.  At  a 
season  of  prayer  before  preaching,  the  Lord  appeared  by 
His  Holy  Spirit  and  it  has  been  a  precious  season.  One 
old  man  melted  down  like  a  little  child  and  prayed,  an- 
other a  young  man  who  had  passed  through  a  glorious 
work  at  Lockport,  the  account  of  which  was  published  in 
the  Evangelist,  arose  and  begged  for  prayer,  bowed  down 
and  prayed.  After  the  season  of  prayer  he  arose  and 
told  his  determination  to  serve  God.  Other  cases  might 
be  mentioned.  Soon  the  bell  rang  for  preaching;  there 
was  then  a  deep  and  fixed  attention  followed  by  earnest 
prayer  which  is  always  followed  with  glorious  results. 
Pray  much  for  this  place.      As  ever  yours.     C. 


Stows  Square,  June  2,  1843. 

Dear  Parents: — After  an  absence  of  four  months 
I  am  once  more  seated  with  my  little  family  in  our 
own  hired  rooms,  and  enjoying  comparatively  good 
health.  You  will  recollect  the  village  of  Adams  (the  first 
village  you  came  to  on  the  second  day  of  your  visit  with 
Uncle  to  our  house.)  A  pleasant  village.  I  spent 
rising  of  four  weeks  there  after  the  close  of  the  meetings 
at  Belleville.     The  Lord  has  been  with  us  and  His  mercy 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  225 

has  been  over  us.  Many  have  bowed  to  the  sceptre  of 
His  love,  and  the  church  has  been  brought  to  consecrate 
themselves  to  the  service  of  God  anew.  I  cannot  say 
how  many  became  the  subjects  of  renewed  grace,  but 
somewhere  over  one  hundred  and  fifty  hopeful  conver- 
sions. The  aged  and  the  young  of  all  classes  were  among 
the  subjects  of  the  work.  Especially  among  the  youth 
of  the  first  class  work  was  most  effectual,  while  there 
were  several  persons  of  seventy  years  old.  To  God  be  all 
the  glory  and  the  honor.  For  to  Him  it  is  due.  "  Shall  the 
saw  boast  itself  above  him  that  shaketh  it?"  The  meet- 
ing at  Belleville  was  owned  and  blessed  of  the  Lord.  The 
more  I  see  of  my  own  vile  heart  the  more  I  feel  that  it  is 
only  the  abounding  grace  of  God  that  does  attend  the 
efforts  of  one  so  vile.  I  shall  probably  leave  in  a  few 
more  days  again  for  Jefferson  county.  I  want  the  Lord 
to  guide  me  in  the  path  of  rectitude.  My  greatest  desire 
is  to  see  my  children  serving  the  Lord  in  their  early  days, 
and  to  be  encircled  in  His  arms  when  parents  shall  be  no 
more.  They  have  no  preaching  now  on  the  Square. 
There  is  rather  an  unpleasant  state  of  feeling  in  the  church 
about  the  choir,  all  of  it  I  feel  is  the  production  of  back- 
sliding from  God.  He  has  said  such  shall  be  filled  with 
their  own  ways.  Remember  us  to  all  and  all  join  in  love 
to  all.  Let  us  lay  aside  every  weight  that  may  impede 
our  progress  in  the  divine  life.  Pray  much  for  me,  es- 
pecially that  the  Lord  will  direct  my  path.  In  haste. 
Your  Affectionate  Son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


MEETING  AT  MANSVILLE. 


Mansville,  Oct.  3,  1843. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: — 

OU  will  perceive  by  the  date  of  this  that  I  have  at 
last  reached  the  destined  place  for  which  I  left 
you.  There  was  nothing  particular  took  place 
on  my  journey.  I  did  not  make  any  call  until  I  reached 
Dea.  Dodge's,  at  Sandy  Creek,  a  few  miles  above  Rodman, 
where  I  found  him  enjoying  much  of  the  presence  of  God. 
And  praying  that  God  would  guide  me,  I  called  at  Rod- 
man, and  found  most  of  the  friends  very  well.  Some  had 
gone  to  eternity.  One  of  the  young  converts,  a  hopeful 
subject  of  the  work  of  grace,  had  lived  a  consistent  and 
devoted  Christian,  was  drowned;  the  other  was  not  a  Chris- 
tian (oh,  sad  end !)  Another  man  who  had  become  a  Chris- 
tian during  the  meeting  had  gone  to  the  grave.  He  died 
in  the  triumph  of  faith.  He  was  an  Englishman  who  came 
to  mill  during  the  meeting  and  was  attracted  to  the  house 
by  the  throng  and  had  not  heard  preaching  before  for  a 
long  time,  and  on  the  spot,  he  hopefully  gave  all  to  Christ, 
and  had  lived  faithfully  and  his  end  was  triumphant.  To 
God  be  all  the  glory.  Another  had  also  gone  to  the  tomb. 
He  also  died  in  the  Lord.     I  arrived  at  Adams   about  4 

226 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  227 

o'clock,  p.  m.  Received  a  hearty  welcome  from  many. 
After  considerable  consultation  concluded  to  stay  over 
the  Sabbath.  I  visited  most  of  the  day  with  Br.  Kirk, 
the  pastor.  Preached  on  Saturday  evening  and  twice  on 
the  Sabbath  and  assisted  in  administering  the  Lord's 
supper;  four  united  with  the  church.  One  young  man 
by  the  name  of  H.,  who  attended  the  meeting  and  who 
had  been  the  subject  of  prayer,  but  who  resisted  all  that 
could  be  done,  was  killed  by  a  pitch-fork  falling  from  a 
load  of  hay  and  penetrating  the  heart.  An  affliction  to  a 
widowed  mother  and  a  warning  to  others.  They  were 
very  anxious  I  should  tarry  with  them,  and  if  not,  to  re- 
turn and  spend  a  few  weeks  there.  The  prospect  of 
things  is  quite  favorable  in  this  place.  I  arrived  in  M. 
about  5  o'clock  last  evening,  and  was  welcomed  by  Dea. 
Man  to  his  hospitable  mansion.  The  state  of  things  is 
such  that  it  is  doubtful  whether  I  shall  stay  here  and  hold 
a  meeting.  To  hear  the  members  of  the  church  talk  last 
evening,  as  I  visited  a  few,  I  felt  a  mingled  emotion  of 
pity  and  diversion.  They  were  so  afraid  of  what  would 
be  the  consequence  of  the  meeting,  etc.,  etc.,  but  friends 
are  quite  anxious  I  should  make  a  stop  here  all  around. 
May  the  Lord's  will  be  done  is  my  greatest  desire.  I  feel 
the  need  of  much  prayer  that  God  will  direct  me  in  the 
path  of  duty.  I  must  go  out  and  visit  the  church. 
Nov.  17th.  Thus  far  I  wrote  some  three  weeks  ago  and 
I  have  not  had  time  to  write  any  more.  I  have  been 
alone  nearly  all  the  time  as  to  ministerial  help.  I  do 
not  get  to  rest  until  twelve  and  one  o'clock  at  night. 
The  prospects  are  very  favorable  now,  though  of  all  the 
places  which  I  have  been  in  this  exceeds  all.  You  cannot 
describe  or  form  any  idea  of  the  extent  of  the  wickedness. 


228  FIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

There  are  a  very  few  families  that  are  very  fine  people,  but 
the  state  of  society  around  is  very  peculiar.  They  have 
exerted  themselves  (the  wicked)  to  the  utmost  to  grieve 
away  the  Lord.  They  have  tried  to  keep  up  balls  in  the 
place  every  week  or  nearly  so  since  I  came  here.  They 
ransacked  the  whole  region  from  Pulaski  to  Sacketts  Harbor 
a  distance  of  40  miles  or  more,  and  they  get  a  veiy  large 
company  together  and  they  act  as  much  like  the  devil  as 
possible.  At  one  ball  they  wrote  a  notice  of  my  being 
here,  styling  me  as  the  authorized  agent  of  the  Hell  Fire 
Insurance  Company,  and  put  the  accompanying  notice 
upon  the  church. 

"HELL  FIRE  INSURANCE  OFFICE! 

"Mr.  Wicks  wood  inform  the  ladis  and  children  of 
Mannsville  and  vasinity  that  he  will  insure  soles  agains 
the  fires  of  hell  as  chep  as  an)^  other  Pope  or  Pries.  He 
holds  his  office  at  the  meeting  hous  in  sd  place  w  hare 
thos  who  wish  to  be  insureed  must  attend  and  obey  his 
mandates  and  sue  down  all  he  ses,  say  all  he  doos  is 
wright  he  will  say  with  us  six  or  eight  weks  if  he  is  well 
fed  and  paid  and  you  spend  your  hull  time  in  hearing  his 
slang  and  expoits  but  is  you  do  net  he  will  leave  you  and 
you  may  go  to  hell  and  bedamd." 

But  God  has  turned  it  upon  their  own  heads.  It  only 
had  the  effect  to  bring  out  more.  Several  of  the  ball 
characters  have  been  brought  to  bow  at  the  Savior's  feet. 
To  God  be  all  the  glory  given.  But  God  has  been  in- 
sulted by  the  vile.  The  language  which  has  been  used 
by  some  persons  here  to  drive  out  the  work  of  God  from 
this  place  I  will  not  repeat.  But  one  man  called  upon 
God  to   damn    his  soul  if  he  did  not   put  a  stop   to  this 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  229 

meeting.  He  has  labored  as  hard  as  he  could  together 
with  some  other  of  kindred  spirits.  Night  before  last 
while  I  was  preaching  I  got  about  half  through  when  the 
cry  of  fire!  fire!  was  heard,  and  the  church  was  soon 
emptied  and  we  were  all  found  trying  to  save  property 
from  being  destroyed.  It  was  a  wagon  maker's  shop  in 
which  the  wicked  wretch  worked  who  was  going  to  break 
up  the  meeting  and  by  the  sad  accident  he  was  turned  out 
of  the  place.  May  God  have  mercy  on  him  and  show  him 
his  vile  course  and  bring  him  to  repentance. 

Among  all  the  other  difficulties,  we  have  been  nearly 
broken  up  four  times  in  meeting  by  the  cry  of  fire.  And 
in  each  time  it  was  the  work  of  an  incendiary.  Once 
they  set  the  church  on  fire  where  the  Millerites  worship,  but 
it  was  extinguished  after  burning  the  stairs  down.  There 
has  been  the  alarm  of  fire  five  times  since  I  have  been 
here.  You  can  scarce  form  any  idea  of  the  awful  wick- 
edness of  this  place.  It  is  a  real  nest  of  backsliders  and 
old  hopers.  I  know  God  will  appear  for  His  own  glory 
and  honor. 

And  also,  I  find  my  heart  needs  to  be  guarded  in 
order  to  keep  from  rejoicing  in  the  overthrow  of  the  wick- 
ed and  their  plans.  I  want  to  lie  humble  at  Jesus'  feet 
and  cause  His  blessing  to  flow  over  my  soul.  To-night, 
God  willing,  1  finish  what  was  left  of  the  sermon  on  Uni- 
versalism  which  1  did  not  finish  at  the  time  of  the  fire. 
And  may  God  direct  me  in  the  path  of  love  and  wisdom. 
I  must  now  stop;  my  room  begins  to  be  thronged  again, 
i  [  o'clock,  after  meeting.  Some  good  has  been  done  to- 
day, and  I  hope  the  Lord  is  on  the  giving  hand.  Oh,  for 
more  of  His  spirit  to  reign  in  my  soul.  There  have  been 
some  fifteen  or  twenty  family  altars  erected  and  a  host  of 


2:;<l  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

backsliders  have  been  reclaimed.  Some  cases  of  conver- 
sions that  have  astonished  the  most  incredulous,  and  the 
work  seems  to  have  only  begun.  To-day  one  man  sixty- 
five  years  old  was  hopefully  converted.  To  God  be  all 
the  glory  given.  Friends  and  some  individuals  who  were 
interested  in  this  place  from  A.  have  been  here  at  differ- 
ent times,  made  confession  to  the  church  and  entered  into 
the  work  and  gone  home  with  joyful  hearts.  As  there  is 
no  pastor  in  this  church  the  people  here  are  very  anxious 
I  should  remain  here.  Four  men  have  made  large  offers 
and  they  think  a  remunerative  amount  will  be  made  if  I 
would  only  say  the  word.  But  as  yet  I  do  not  see  my 
way  clear.  The  Lord  has  led  us  in  a  way  we  know  not. 
I  desire  to  be  obedient  to  His  will,  but  let  us  ask  and 
obey  His  answer.  What  He  means  to  do  with  us  is  not 
for  us  to  know.  May  we  trust  His  promises  and  pray  for 
His  hand  to  lead.  What  debtors  to  grace  we  have  been  ? 
And  through  riches  of  free  grace  may  we  triumph. 
How  does  your  soul  prosper?  Does  your  faith  look  up  to 
God  so  as  to  feel  God  will  still  work  in  this  place?  Hold 
on  upon  the  Lord's  arm.  I  cannot  say  when  I  shall  be 
home  but  I  now  think  in  a  few  days.  If  the  Lord  will, 
a  week  from  next  Tuesday.  My  health  is  better  than  I 
expected  it  would  have  been  when  I  left  home,  though 
quite  hoarse,  yet  not  as  hoarse  as  before  I  closed  at 
Adams.  Kiss  the  children  for  me  and  pray  for 
Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  231 

Mansville,  Oct.  10,  1843. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife  : 

Your  kind  letter  came  to  hand.  It  did  my  heart  good 
to  see  the  marks  of  your  pen.  Since  I  wrote  I  have  vis- 
ited nearly  all  the  members  of  the  church  in  this  place 
and  you  can  scarcely  make  any  calculation  about  the 
state  of  the  church.  As  to  individual  or  social  duties  as 
Christians,  secret,  family  and  social, — yes  political  duties 
are  very  much  neglected.  I  have  been  here  a  little  over  a 
week  and  have  heard  only  two  females  open  their  mouth 
in  prayer.  There  are  some  who  feel  quite  deeply,  but 
cannot  say  anything  for  God.  They  have  a  great  deal  of 
— what  shall  I  call  it?  Modesty!!  Shame  would  be 
much  more  appropriate.  To-day  is  the  first  day  I  have 
had  meeting  in  the  day  time;  some  out,  and  some  feeling, 
I  never  felt  in  my  life  as  though  I  was  staying  where  I 
was  not  wanted  as  I  do  here,  and  yet  feel  as  though  it 
was  duty  not  to  leave.  But  what  the  final  issue  will  be, 
I  cannot  say.  There  is  some  moving  on  the  waters. 
They  seem  to  be  afraid  that  I  shall  leave  them,  which 
they  cannot  bear  to  think  of,  yet  seem  to  be  sorry  that  I 
came  when  I  did ;  but  the  Lord  means  it  for  good. 

October  nth.  Yesterday  my  leisure  moments  were 
so  much  occupied  with  reading  "  Luther  at  the  Diet  of 
Worms,"  that  I  did  not  take  time  to  write  any.  There 
was  a  funeral  here;  the  daughter  of  a  widow  woman 
member  of  the  Baptist  church.  Sermon  by  the  Baptist 
Elder  from,  "Cast  thy  burden  on  the  Lord  and  He  will 
sustain  thee:"  He  talked  very  well.  At  the  close  of 
the  exercise  the  widow  rose  and  addressed  the  congrega- 
tion herself,  in  a  feeling  manner,  and  confessing  her  sin  in 


232 


LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 


not  doing  her  duty,  and  warning"  parents  against  pursuing 
the  same  course  of  neglect.  I  hope  and  pray  it  may  have 
some  effect.  Last  evening  I  preached  from  2  Chron.  7: 
14.  "If  My  people  which  are  called  by  My  name  shall 
humble  themselves  and  pray  and  seek  My  face,  and 
turn  from  their  wicked  ways;  then  will  I  hear  from 
heaven,-and  will  forgive  their  sins  and  will  heal  their  land." 
And  I  should  think  something  like  thirty  or  forty  per- 
sons came  forward  for  prayers,  and  humbly  bowed 
together,  confessing  their  sins,  and  entering  into  a  cove- 
nant with  their  God  and  one  another  to  return  to  duty 
and  serve  the  Lord.  There  was  something  of  a  melting 
time.  After  returning  to  my  boarding  place  (  Dr.  K.),  in 
the  same  house  with  Deacon  M.,  we  had  another.  The 
Doctor  went  the  rounds,  confessing  to  all;  and  a  good 
deal  of  real  feeling  and  brokenness  of  heart.  I  do  pray 
God  it  may  be  a  blessing  to  all — that  from  this  hour 
there  may  be  a  consecration  to  God  as  there  never  was 
in  this  place.  Yesterday  afternoon  there  was  some  feel- 
ing; more  than  there  has  hitherto  been.  Some  females 
got  their  mouths  open  in  confession  that  never  before 
were  heard  to  say  a  word  in  meeting,  and  last  evening  a 
pretty  good  congregation  ou-t.  I  preached  on  "Jericho 
walls  falling,"  and  after  meeting  I  was  told  that  the  great 
Dr.  K.,  of  H —  Seminary,  was  present,  and  I  felt  that  it 
was  rather  poor  food  for  such  a  man  :  But  after  all  I 
did  not  come  here  to  preach  to  him;  though  I  believe  if 
I  had  known  he  had  been  present,  I  should  have  given 
him  a  portion.  But  perhaps  the  Lord  will  give  him  what 
is  much  better.  Last  Friday  I  went  to  Woodville  to 
preach  the  funeral  sermon  of  Miss  L.  B.  She  hopefully 
experienced  religion  at  the  meeting  in   W.   last   winter. 


LEWIS     ALFRED     VVICKES.  233 

She  left  a  pleasing  evidence  that  she  had  gone  to  rest  in 
the  bosom  of  love.  Thus  the  Lord  is  taking  away  one 
and  another  of  those  who,  in  connection  with  ray  labors 
have  bowed  at  the  feet  of  the  Lord.  Yet  it  is  a  source 
of  solemn  reflection  to  me,  that  they  have  gone  to  test 
the  grounds  of  their  hope  in  Christ,  lest  I  should  have 
given  them  any  reason  to  trust  to  a  false  hope.  May  the 
Lord  forbid  I  ever  should,  and  keep  me  from  doing  so 
great  evil!  O!  what  responsibility  is  attached  to  the 
gospel  ministry.  The  more  I  reflect  on  it,  the  more  I 
feel  unfit  for  it.  You  spoke  of  converting  the  children 
etc. ;  I  hope  God  will  enable  you  to  do  it,  and  bless  your 
labors;  and  that  they  may  be  (are)  the  true  children'  of 
God.  It  is  the  great  desire  of  my  heart  to  have  them 
love  and  honor  God.  I  have  just  this  moment  had  a  call 
from  Dr.  K.,  and  had  a  pleasant  interview.  He  is  affable, 
affectionate  and  agreeable  in  his  manners,  making  himself 
at  home,  and  those  with  whom  he  converses  to  feel  at 
home  with  him.  His  topics  of  conversation  are  familiar 
and  easy — none  of  that  distance  and  ostentation  which 
is  often  found  in  persons  looked  up  to  as  a  great  one. 
I  felt  conscious  of  being  in  the  presence  of  my  superior 
and  yet  he  made  me  feel  at  home.  Thus  may  we  feel 
when  we  come  into  the  presence  of  our  heavenly  Father 
who  cares  for  us.  The  Doctor  is  a  tall  man,  like  Mr.  D. 
long  favored,  hair  gray  and  braided  over  a  bald  spot  on 
the  top  of  his  head.  Nothing  very  remarkable  as  to  his 
phrenological  developments.  People  look  at  great  men 
with  much  curiosity,  but  after  all  they  are  nothing  but, 
flesh  and  bones,  with  an  accountable  soul  like  all  others. 
I  must  hasten  to  a  close.  I  board  in  Dr.  Kinney's  family. 
There  are  five  children.  A  daughter  Julia  makes  me 
15 


234  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

think  of  sister  J.;  another,  Sarah,  which  reminds  me  of  my 
little  daughter  S.  It  is  a  fine  family.  They  read  the 
Bible  with  their  father  at  family  devotion,  and  are  very 
attentive.  May  the  Lord  bless  them  and  my  own  little 
family,  is  the  prayer  of, 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


MEETINGS  AT  HUVELTON,  WEST  POTS- 
DAM, MADRID  AND  WADDINGTON. 


Huvelton,  Jan.  15,  1844. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife; 

OU  will  perceive  by  this  that  I  am  now  in  H.  I 
arrived  here  on  Wednesday  eve.,  and  on  Thurs- 
day I  preached  the  dedication  sermon  to  a 
house  full,  from  Micah.  4:  2-3  ;  and  not  much  of  a  sermon 
it  was,  either.  But  we  had  a  real  pleasant  time  of  it,  and 
the  Lord  was  in  the  midst  of  us.  They  have  a  very 
good  man,  and  one  who  does  take  delight  in  doing  good, 
and  I  think  will  be  a  blessing  to  the  people.  At  the 
close  of  the  exercise  they  plead  with  me  to  stay  and 
preach  in  the  evening.  I  finally  consented,  and  they 
begged  I  would  stay  till  after  the  Sabbath,  as  it  was 
communion  with  them,  and  hold  meetings  Friday  and 
Saturday.  On  the  Sabbath  they  put  the  vote  to  request 
me  to  stay  a  few  days,  when  there  was  a  unanimous  vote 
by  the  whole  congregation,  to  have  me  stay.  The  house 
was  literally  crammed  full,  and  many  loaded  teams  were 
unable  to  get  in.    But  what  duty  is,  I  cannot  say.    There 

235 


-36  LIFE     AND    LETTERS    OF 

seems  to  be  an  appearance  of  good  here.  There  have 
been  one  or  two  conversions  already — Mrs.  G.'s  mother 
one.  Nine  united  with  the  church  on  Sabbath;  two  old 
men  rising  of  seventy  years.  I  shall  determine  in  a  day 
or  two  what  duty  is  and  act  accordingly.  The  day  I  left 
I  saw  the  people  in  Denmark,  and  left  an  appointment 
for  a  meeting  to  commence  next  week,  on  Tuesday  eve. 
if  the  Lord  will.  When  I  arrived  at  Antwerp  they  were 
just  relating  over  the  scenes  of  Mrs.  Church's  funeral, 
which  had  just  taken  place  that  day.  She  died  in  the 
triumph  of  faith  :  "  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is 
the  death  of  His  saints!"  But  let  us  be  humble,  and 
show  to  the  world  that  God  can  and  will  dwell  with  us 
as  long  as  we  will  dwell  with  Him.  I  feel  for  the  church 
of  God  in  S.  S.  O  !  that  God  will  dwell  in  the  hearts  of 
men  and  cause  them  to  see  where  they  arc. 

1  have  but  a  short  time  to  write  a  few  lines  t<>  let  you 
know  where  I  am.     The  church  and  people  hold  on  to  me 

Huvelton,  very  strong,  and  the  Lord  is  truly  in  the 
Ian.  24. 1S44.  midst  of  us.  The  word  of  the  Lord  has  got 
among  the  old-  country  people,  and  a  goodly  number 
have  hopefully  given  themselves  to  the  Lord.  There- 
have  been  somewhere  between  twenty  and  thirty  hopeful 
conversions,  and  some  quite  interesting  cases.  To  God 
be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor  !  Most  of  them  are  heads 
of  families,  and  some  are  advanced  in  life.  And  such  is 
the  state  of  things  here  that  1  wrote  to  Denmark  to  have 
them  postpone  their  meeting  for  a  few  days ;  and  since 
writing  them  I  have  been  earnestly  requested  to  go  to 
West  Potsdam.  The  state  of  society  and  the  feeling  is 
such  that  I  have  written  again  to  Denmark  to  say  whether 
they  will  give  way  for  that  object ;   i.  e.,  for  me  to  go  to 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  237 

Potsdam  first.  If  they  consent  to  that  I  shall  go ;  if  not, 
I  think  I  shall  be  at  Denmark  next  week  I  hardly  know 
what  duty  is. 

O  !  that  I  might  do  what  will  be  pleasing  to  Him. 
The  vineyard  is  all  one,  and  though  it  may  be  in  the  dif- 
ferent portions -of  God's  vinevard,  yet  it  is  all  His,  and 
all  for  His  glory  and  His  cause.  Keep  humble,  and  live 
low  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.     Pray  for  me. 

Yours, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


HuVELTON,  Jan.  29,  1844. 
Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

Since  I  wrote  you,  I  have  seen  the  salvation  of 
the  Lord.  Several  have,  as  we  trust,  bowed  at  the 
foot  of  the  cross.  Mostly  among  the  old  country 
people.  Those  who,  when  I  was  here  before,  were  stand- 
ing aloof,  have  many  of  them  been  brought  to  see  their 
need  of  a  Saviour,  and  we  trust  have  given  themselves  to 
•the  Lord.  And  the  work  seems  to  be  spreading  and 
deepening.  I  did  intend  to  close  up  my  labors  here  yes- 
terday, but  by  the  earnest  solicitude  of  friends  I  stay  a 
few  days  longer,  how  long  I  cannot  say.  I  have  written 
to  Denmark  to  postpone  that  meeting  until  after  I  go  to 
West  Potsdam.  I  think  that  it  will  be  best  to  go  there  be- 
fore returning  home,  if  my  health  and  comfort  of  my  family 
will  allow.  I  have  taken  a  severe  cold  and  my  voice  is 
becoming  as  it  was  at  Rodman,  last  winter,  though  not 
as  hard  a  cough  as  then,  yet  I  think  prudence  is  becoming 


238  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

me.  If  I  find  that  it  increases  on  me  I  shall  stop  at  once. 
May  the  Lord  direct.  I  have  received  pressing  calls  from 
Madrid  and  Lorain.  In  both  cases  they  want  me  imme- 
diately, and  so  I  shall  not  think  of  going  to  either  of  them 
until  after  I  have  been  to  the  other  places.  As  the  peo- 
ple of  Madrid  waited  so  long  before  they  concluded  to 
have  a  meeting,  I  do  not  at  present  think  I  can  go.  But 
in  this  let  us  ask  counsel  of  the  Lord.  The  Lord  is  still 
in  the  midst  of  this  people  though  things  drag  some  and 
there  are  many  obstacles  in  the  way,  yet  there  is  still  a 
slow  move  and  nearly  every  day  souls  are  coming  to 
Christ.  The  work  has  been  among  the  old  country 
people  while  some  others  have  bowed  at  the  foot  of 
the  cross.  To  God  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor.  Half 
past  eleven,  P.  M.  I  have  just  returned  from  meeting. 
The  Lord  was  in  the  midst  of  us.  Text,  Mai.  3:18, 
"Then  shall  ye  return  and  discern  between  the  righteous 
and  the  wicked,  between  him  that  serveth  God  and 
him  that  serveth  Him  not."  Some  fifty  forward  for 
prayer.  Some  of  the  first  ones  of  the  place.  Many 
professed  to  have  given  themselves  to  the  Lord,  and 
I  do  hope  that  God  will  draw  the  hearts  of  all  to 
Him.  But,  oh  !  how  little  faith  there  is  in  the  promises 
of  God.  Why  is  it  that  God's  people  have  no  more  of 
the  love  for  souls  in  them  ?  If  they  would  only  go  to 
the  fountain  head  they  would  get  their  hope  in  the  Lord 
strengthened,  and  then  might  exercise  more  confidence  in 
his  promises,  and  hence,  as  a  matter  of  course,  they  would 
see  more  abundantly  the  displays  of  His  power.  I  feel 
daily  the  need  of  more  faith  in  the  Lord,  and  I  sometimes 
have  felt  that  I  could  hardly  say  that  I  had  any  faith  in 
the  Lord,  yet  I  cannot  say  so,  because  I   do  believe  that 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  239 

as  unworthy  as  I  am,  God  has  heard  my  prayer,  and  I 
will  give  Him  glory  and  honor.  And  Oh,  that  I  might 
ever  so  live  as  to  feel  that  Christ  would  ever  hear  me. 

Feb.  i.     The  stage  is  coming,  I  must  mail  this.     Write 
next  week  to  Potsdam. 

Love  to  all. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


West  Potsdam,  February  r,  1844. 
My  Dear  Wife  : 

You  will  perceive  by  this  where  I  am.  I  closed  the 
series  of  meetings  at  Huvelton  on  the  Sabbath  (4th),  and 
the  Lord  was  in  the  midst  of  us.  The  house  was  so 
jammed  that  we  could  not  get  the  converts  together.  I 
cannot  say  with  any  accuracy  what  the  numbers  of  con- 
versions have  been,  but  I  should  think  not  to  exceed 
some  fifty  or  sixty ;  and  a  large  number  of  these  were 
among  the  old  country  people.  To  God  be  all  the  glory 
given!  I  find  many  of  our  friends  passing  away;  and  s<> 
we  are  all  fast  going  to  the  Lord :  Well,  welcome  the 
hour !  But  let  us  be  on  the  watch  whenever  our  Lord 
shall  come.  I  have,  of  late,  had  much  delight  in  reading 
the  21st  and  22d  of  Rev.,  especially  the  sixth  and  seventh 
verses  of  the  21st  chapter.  These  are  promises  which 
are  so  glorious  and  blessed  !  "  I  will  give  unto  him  that  is 
athirst,"  etc.  Let  but  our  souls  take  hold  of  that  prom- 
ise, and  all  is  well;  and  what  He  gives  us  will  be  for  the 
glory  of  God.  Freely  He  will  bestow  upon  us  the  waters 
from  the  fountain  of  life,  which  is  Christ,   Himself,   pur- 


240  LIFE    AM)    LETTERS    OF 

chased  by  His  own  blood  and  at  His  own  suffering". 
Such  love — how  great !  Such  blessing — how  dearly- 
purchased  !  O,  that  such  love  may  be  enough  to  draw 
our  hearts  to  Him  !  "All  things. "  Oh,  how  rich  are  the 
children  of  God ;  made  so  by  the  benevolence  of  the  Lord 
of  glory.  And  am  I  one  that  the  Lord  has  bestowed 
such  great  favors  upon  ?  May  I  live  at  the  feet  of  my 
excellent  Lord  !  So  also  the  description  of  the  abode  of 
the  blessed,  who  are  made  partakers  of  His  grace,  from 
the  9th  verse  of  the  same  chapter.  No  wonder  that  Paul 
said  it  would  not  be  lawful  to  speak  of  it.  O,  what  joy ! 
May  my  own  little  family  have  a  mansion  there  ? 

I  arrived  here  last  evening.  They  have  rather  a  small 
house,  and  it  was  pretty  well  filled.  There  is  evidently 
some  feeling  on  the  subject  of  religion ;  there  have  been  a 
few  souls  hopefully  born  into  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  and 
some  are  quite  serious;  and  the  church  have  some  little 
feeling  on  the  subject.  I  have  visited  among  their  neigh- 
bors, and  I  am  in  hopes  that  something  may  be  done 
which  will  tell  on  the  annals  of  eternity.  The  name  of 
their  preacher  is  Rowley;  a  young  man,  but  I  think  a  de- 
voted, pious  man,  and  a  laborious  and  faithful  minister, 
or  rather  licentiate.  He  will  do  them  good.  The  Meth- 
odist minister  is  a  brother  of  Bro.  K.,  and  a  pretty  good 
man,  and  they  have  a  Freewill  Baptist  minister  here  that 
they  say  will  lie;  and  so,  of  course,  they  are  unwilling  to 
have  him  do  anything  in  the  meeting.  O,  that  ministers 
would  ever  live  before  their  God  as  becometh  the  ambas- 
sadors of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ !  May  the  Lord  bring 
all  things  right !  The  meeting  this  afternoon  was  pretty 
well  attended,  and  some  feeling.  May  the  Lord  increase 
it  more  and  more,  and  may  God  help,  to-night,  by  over- 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  241 

shadowing  this  place  with  His  cloud  of  mercy,  and  may 
the  presence  of  His  spirit  visit  every  heart,  and  an  altar 
be  erected  in  every  house,  for  His  name's  sake.  Pray 
much  for  me. 

As  ever,  yours, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Here  the  churches  unanimously  adopted  the  following 
confession  : 

*We,  the  members  of  the  different  evangelical  churches 
in  West  Potsdam,  feel  called  upon  to  testify  before  our 
impenitent  friends  here  present,  the  solemn  dealings  of 
God  with  us  during  the  day  now  past. 

We  have  set  apart  this  day  to  mourn,  and  fast,  and 
pray,  and  search  our  own  hearts,  and  inquire  why  so  little 
Feb.  1-844.       blessing  attends  our  present  labors  for  the 
The  confession    souls  of  our  dear,  impenitent  friends.     We 
of  all  the       trust  it  has  not  been  in  vain,  but  that  the 
evangelical      Holy  Spirit  has  shown  us  that  great  wick- 
churches,       edness  still  remains  in  our  hearts  and  in  our 
A  revival       churches.     Many  of  the  members  of  these 
followed.       churches  have  voluntarily  come  forward  and 
confessed  in  the  public  assembly  their  personal  difficulties 
with  other  members,   especially  such   as   have   involved 
unhappy  feeling  between  different  denominations.      We 
believe  that  the  Lord  Jesus  has  but  one  Bride,  and  that 
there  is  but  one  household  of  the  faith,  and   that  every 
action,  every  word,  and  even  every  thought  which  tends 
to  alienate  the  brotherhood  and  produce  denominational 

*  Members  from  all  the  churches  came  forward  and  knelt  in   the  aisle 
of  the  church  while  the  consecrating  prayer  was  being  made. 


242  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OK 

dissensions,  is  wounding  the  body  of  the  Savior.  We  do 
not  expect  the  work  of  salvation  to  go  forward  while  we 
remain  liable  to  the  imputation  of  loving  our  party  names 
better  than  we  love  the  one  glorious  cause  of  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

This  day  has  shown  to  us  deep  and  awful  sins 
against  the  law  of  brotherly  love,  far  exceeding  anything 
we  were  before  aware  of,  and  we  have  together  mourned 
over  them,  and,  we  trust,  repented  of  them,  and  confessed 
them  to  one  another,  and  on  our  bended  knees,  confess 
them  before  God. 

Brothers  and  sisters  who  have  mutually  indulged 
hard,  acrimonious  feelings,  have  obtained  from  each  other 
full  pardon,  and  united  their  petitions  for  pardon  from  on 
Confession,  high.  Members  of  the  different  churches 
February,  1844.  have  extended  to  each  other  the  hand  and 
heart  of  love,  and  we  hope  that  some  of  the  scandalous 
obstacles  which  have  impeded  the  cause  of  salvation  will 
now  be  removed,  and  a  way  be  cast  up  over  which  the 
chariot  of  the  Holy  Ghost  may  roll  in  triumph. 

But  we  have  yet  one  more  duty  to  perform,  and  we 
now  come  forward  in  this  solemn  and  public  manner  and 
humble  ourselves  before  our  impenitent  neighbors  and 
friends. 

Although  we  do  not  find  that  each  of  our  number  is 
guilty  of  all  the  sins  which  have  been  named,  yet,  as  a 
congregation  of  believers,  we  come  mournfully  before  you 
and  confess  our  sins.  O  !  it  is  the  most  bitter  part  of 
our  remorse  to  reflect  that  our  obstinate  attachment  to 
our  own  self  zvill  and  party  feelings  has  stood  between 
our  souls  and  salvation.  We  confess  to  you  that  we 
have  brought  a  blemish  upon  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer, 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  243 

and  that  those  cruel  alienations  which  have  now  come  to 
light,  have  had  the  effect  to  ruin  souls. 

While  we  cannot  admit  that  any  of  our  faults  have 
justified  you  in  remaining  a  single  moment  in  your  im- 
penitency,  we  fear  they  have  been  the  occasion  of  it.  We 
have  been  to  the  Savior  for  pardon,  and  we  now  come  to 
you  and  beseech  you  to  forgive. 

And  now,  dearly  beloved  friends,  having  relieved  our 

souls  by  this   united   confession   to   you,   though   deeply 

February,   i844.unworthy,  wc  cannot  refrain  from   offering 

Confession  when  our  united  entreaty  that  you  would  come 

Rev.  Mr.  Wickes  to  our  dear    Savior's  feet.     Wicked  as  we 

held  a  meeting   are,  still  our  souls  are  pained  by  your  im- 

in  that  place,     penitency.     As  neighbors  and  friends,  we 

have  found  you  kind  and  amiable,  but  our  hearts  bleed 

for  the  perils  which  hang  over  you.     We  long  to  see  you 

on   the  march   towards  the  heavenly  world.     We  have 

prayed  for  it,  and  we  shall  continue  to  pray  for  it.     May 

you  and  we  together  become  fellow   Christians  on  earth, 

and  dwellers  together  in  heavenly  light ! 


Madrid,  Columbia  Village,  March  16,  1844. 
My  Dear  Wife  : 

You  will  perceive  by  this  that  I  am  at  the  place 
of  battle.  I  had  a  very  tedious  journey,  calling  on 
friends  at  various  places  on  the  way.  It  was  neither 
sleighing  nor  wagoning,  and  two  or  three  times  came 
near  turning  over.  But  the  good  hand  of  the  Lord  was 
over  us  and  kept  us  from  falling.  And  I  found  myself 
very  much  fatigued  and  worn  out,  but  commenced  the 
meeting  here  on  Thursday  evening.     A  pretty  good  con- 


244  LIFE    AM)   LETTERS  OF 

gregation  out  and  very  good  attention,  but  there  is  a 
good  deal  of  rubbish  to  be  removed  out  of  the  way.  Yet 
I  do  think  there  may  be  much  good  done  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord.  Rut  it  is  a  hard  place  and  nothing  but  the 
power  of  God  will  accomplish  anything  here.  And  now 
do  pray  for  me  here  and  for  this  place.  The  Lord  is  alone 
our  helper  and  God  has  helped  us  in  days  past  and  if  we 
will  only  look  to  Him  and  lie  at  His  feet,  and  not  having 
any  of  the  things  of  this  world  to  shut  out  our  prayers 
from  Him  and  thus  lose  sight  of  the  great  work  before 
us.  An  extract,  March  21,  respecting  the  work  of  the 
Lord  in  Columbia  Village. 

March  21,  The  Lord  is  with  us  here.  Much  to  be  done 
1844.  tjiat  |s  not  yCi  done.  Some  have  made*a  conse- 
cration of  themselves  to  Christ,  we  hope,  but  I  pray  God 
it  may  be  increased  an  hundred  fold.  Br.  W.  has  got 
where  he  never  was  before.  He  says  he  never  took  so 
great  delight  in  serving  God  before,  and  can  bless  God 
for  what  He  has  wrought  in  his  own  soul.  I  rejoice  to 
see  it,  and  I  do  pray  that  I  may  possess  more  and  still 
more  of  the  spirit  of  my  Lord  and  Master. 
Another  Ma}-.  The  meeting  at  C< >lumbia  Village,  Madrid, 
extract  re-  was  a  [ong  one.      It  is  a  very  hard  and  obstinate 

spectmy  ° 

Columbia  place,  but  the  Lord  has  done  indeed  great  things 
Mav  about  for  them.  It  has  made  a  shaking  among  the 
the  20.  Universalists  and  infidels  of  every  class.  There 
were  something  like  one  hundred  hopeful  conversions. 
Among  them  were  merchants,  doctors,  mechanics,  teach- 
ers of  music,  farmers,  etc.,  and  the  work  seems  to  move 
forward  yet.  To  God  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor  for 
it  is  due  to  Him.  Truly  the  Lord  is  good  to  those  who 
will  trust  Him  and  labor  for  the  souls  of  men.      I  have. 


LEWIS     ALFRED     WICKES.  ^4.") 

often  thought  that  nothing  would  separate  me  from  my 
family,  but  a  cause  so  glorious  as  this.  But  while  I  do 
love  my  family  I  do  love  the  cause  of  Christ  more.  May 
the  Lord  smile  upon  you  all.      Love  to  all. 

As  ever,  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


WADDINGTON,  May  20,  1 844. 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Parents: 

Your  kind  letter  I  received  while  I  was  in  Madrid.  It  is 
one  of  the  greatest  sources  of  delight  to  me  to  sit  down  and 
have  my  mother  talk  to  me,  and  I  guess  it  would  be  so  if 
father  would  talk.  I  sometimes  think  I  love  my  parents 
more  than  the  other  children  do,  but  perhaps  such  is  the 
feeling  of  each  of  us.  I  hope  it  is,  for  God  has  command- 
ed us  to  honor  father  and  mother,  etc.,  and  ma)-  they  ever 
be  honored.  I  have  been  in  this  place  since  the  first  of 
the  month.  The  Lord  is  in  the  midst  of  the  people,  and 
opposition  has  been  raised  and  kept  up.  Husbands 
forbidding  wives  going  to  meeting  and  parents  forbidding 
children.  One  man  the  other  day  told  his  wife  with  oaths 
and  curses,  that  if  she  did  not  come  home  (as  she  was 
conversing  with  me  at  his  sister's)  he  would  horsewhip 
her! !  All  he  wanted,  he  said,  was  to  break  one  club  on 
my  head,  and  yet  they  are  on  the  way  to  heaven,  all  of 
them!!!  There  is  an  unprecedented  ignorance  among 
those  who  pretend  to  know  a  good  deal.  The  Episcopal 
church  have  had  the  moulding  of  the  face  of  society  here. 
And  more  ungodly  influence  there  could  not  scarcely 
have  been  exerted.  For  their  iniquity  is  covered  up  un- 
der the  mask  of  the  religion  of  Christ,  and  so  the  Christian 


246  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

religion  has  been  brought  into  disrepute.  Whereas,  if  it 
had  been  under  the  name  of  irreligion  that  these  things 
had  been  done,  they  would  not  have  had  so  baneful  an 
influence.  Some  young  men  the  other  day,  wanted  to 
know  why  it  was  that  Christ  died,  after  hearing  a  sermon 
on  the  suffering  and  death  of  Christ.  And  they  were 
young  men  twenty  and  twenty-three  years  of  age.  So 
had  their  eyes  been  blinded  by  the  course  of  instruction 
which  had  been  taught  there.  Universalism  has  a  strong 
hold  here  and  many  of  them  are  most  vile  and  sinful;  but 
I  trust  there  is  a  redeeming  power  to  save  this  wicked 
place.  How  long  I  may  remain  here  I  cannot  say,  but  I 
have  attended  meeting  every  day  since  the  4th  of  March, 
and  preached  every  day  but  one.  To  God  be  all  the 
glory  given.  Truly  I  am  a  great  debtor  to  God  for  all 
His  kindness  to  me  and  the  constitution  which  He  has 
given  me.  How  much  we  do  need  an  humble  and  quiet 
spirit  to  lead  us  in  the  path  of  light  and  love.  May  the 
Lord  smile  upon  you  in  your  declining  years,  is  the  sin- 
cere prayer  of 

Your  affectionate  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


SECOND    MEETING  AT    MASSENA    AND    AT 
CHATEAUGAY. 


Massena,  Jan.  23,  1845. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife  : 

lOY  this  you  will  see  that  I  have  got  back  to  the 
^  old  place  of  our  first  visit  to  this  part  of  the 
county.  It  has  been  with  a  great  degree  of  reluc- 
tance that  I  have  come  here.  Still  it  may  be  for  the  best. 
Rut  the  abominations  which  are  practiced — and  in  this 
part  of  the  county — are  awful !  The  Millerite  excite- 
ment has  been  like  the  locust  of  Egypt — has  eaten  up 
every  thing  that  is  lovely  and  kind.  Here  is  a  part  of 
the  holy  band ;  also  a  community  who,  under  the  mask  of 
religion,  have  their  spiritual  wives.  They  are  now  divided 
into  two  parties,  and  each  have  their  minister  and  leader. 
The  Episcopal  and  Weslyan  Methodists  each  have  classes 
and  ministers.  They  are  not  agreed.  The  regular  Bap- 
tists have  also  a  church  and  a  good  minister,  Elder  G. 
His  three  daughters  were  hopefully  converted  at  West  S. 
They  have  two  Universalist  ministers  here;  one  keeps  a 
rum-hole  of  a  tavern  ;  the  other  is  the  one  who  wrote  me 

247 


248  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

a  line  at  N.  that  I  answered  publicly,  before  the  church. 
The  Congregationalists  have  a  small  church;  they  are  old 
and  dead  in  comparison.  They  have  a  small,  neat,  brick 
edifice  and  might  live,  indeed,  if  they  would.  They  now 
have  two  singing  schools  in  the  place;  one  dancing  school; 
Universalist  preaching  every  other  Sabbath.  And  the 
wicked  and  ungodly  are  made  so  hard  by  such  a  motley 
mess  that  hope  looks  very  dark,  indeed,  of  doing  much 
good.  I  can  tell  in  a  few  days  what  prospects  will  be. 
But  now  let  us  lie  humble  before  the  mercy  seat ;  and 
may  we  so  live  and  act  that  God  will  smile  upon  us.  I 
closed  the  meeting  at  East  Stockholm  on  the  Sabbath, 
the  29th,  with  a  very  good  state  of  feeling.  They  wanted 
the  meeting  to  continue,  but  I  could  not  stay.  Left  my 
sleigh  there,  or  rather  at  Brasier  Falls;  made  several  calls 
on  the  way.  Mr.  B's  little  daughter  is  now  poorer  than 
ever.  She  truly  is  a  sufferer,  though  she  bears  it  with 
Christian  resignation.  I  saw  Mr.  R.,  from  Waddington. 
He  appears  quite  well,  and  seemed  to  feel  much  for  the 
souls  of  his  neighbors  Truly,  how  good  the  Lord  is! 
And  may  we  ever  be  found  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  to  adore 
and  honor  Him,  and  take  a  course  that  will  advance  His 
cause,  and  which  will  secure  His  approbation,  and  that 
our  God  shall  not  be  evil  spoken  of.  I  find  some  feeling 
here  among  the  impenitent,  which  is  of  an  inquiring 
nature:  still  they  are  much  prejudiced  against  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  from  the  horrid  actions  of  the  professed 
friends  of  it.  Let  us  watch  and  pray,  and  cast  all  on  His 
arm.  And  may  God  smile  upon  us,  and  prosper  His  own 
work  !      Love  to  all. 

Your  husband,  as  ever, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  24!> 

MASSENA,  February  17,  [845. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

When  I  last  wrote  you  I  could  not  tell  what  I  should 
do  about  staying  at  this  place  another  week,  but  such  is 
the  interesting  state  of  things  here,  that  there  is  not  much 
doubt  that  I  shall  remain  here  during  this  week,  so  that 
the  calls  are  so  pressing  from  Chateaugay  that  I  probably 
shall  not  return  home  until  after  I  have  been  there.  And 
it  may  be  some  time  in  April  before  I  can  get  around. 
The  Lord's  will  be  done!  And  I  will  inquire  for  His 
will.  The  Lord  is  with  us,  we  hope.  Nearly  every  day 
for  ten  days  past  there  have  been  more  or  less  that  have 
bowed  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  Two  of  N.  P.  sisters 
have  been  hopefully  converted,  and  two  or  three  of  her 
cousins.  Last  evening  (Sabbath)  there  were  about  sev- 
enty forward  for  prayers,  and  a  majority  professed  sub- 
mission to  God,  and  the  work  is  deepening  everyday, 
and  obstacles  are  giving  away  before  the  chariot  of  the 
Lord.  O !  ma)-  heaven  ride  forth  from  conquering  to 
conquest,  until  all  bow  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  of 
Christ.  But  to  accomplish  this  a  great  deal  has  got  to 
be  done.  The  Lord  owns  and  blesses  suitable  means, 
and  may  His  people  all  be  willing  in  the  da)-  of  His 
power.  Pray  much.  Write,  without  fail,  immediately. 
As  ever,  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHATEAUGAY,  Franklin  Co.,  March  14,  [845. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

I  had  a  very  tedious  journey;  made  some  calls;  found 
friends  generally  well.     I  arrived  at  East  S.  in  season  to 
16 


250  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

attend  the  young"  peoples'  meeting  on  Tuesday  evening. 
Wednesday  I  fixed  my  wagon,  preached  in  the  evening, 
and  Thursday  started  for  this  county.  I  am  in  sight  of 
Lower  Canada  and  the  St.  Lawrence  River.  I  reached 
here  about  half  past  six  in  the  evening,  tired,  pain  in  my 
breast  and  arm,  and  faint  hearted,  and  half  wished  that  I 
was  at  home.  I  found  Bro.  M.  waiting  for  me  with  many 
fears  and  many  sorrows  that  I  had  not  come,  but  was 
very  much  relieved  by  my  presence.  I  board  with  a  Mr. 
H.  He  is  a  Presbyterian;  his  wife  a  Baptist;  his  sister 
Episcopalian  ;  the  hired  girl  a  Catholic.  No  family  wor- 
ship until  now  ;  nor  is  there  an  altar  to  the  name  of  the 
Lord  to  be  seen  or  found  in  the  whole  place.  The  first 
evening  there  were  some  sixty  persons  present,  and 
while  preaching,  a  man  cried  out  at  the  height  of  his 
voice,  "  O,  Lord  !! "  He  is  a  crazy  man.  The}-  have  a 
meeting  house  about  thirty-six  by  fifty,  two  stories  high, 
and  will  seat  about  five  hundred  persons.  But  the  state 
of  society  is  most  wretched  and  vile.  Yesterday  we  had 
meeting  in  the  afternoon  and  evening. 

March  15th.  Fourteen  present  in  the  morning.  The 
crazy  man  cried  out  again,  and  very  much  frightened 
some  in  the  house.  Last  evening  there  w;ere  about  sev- 
enty out.  Mr.  H.  set  up  the  family  altar,  and  we  had  a 
prayer  meeting  and  each  prayed  except  the  Catholic. 
But  things  are  very  dark  and  discouraging;  but  my  hope 
is  in  God,  and  in  Him  will  I  trust.  He  will  not  let  me 
be  put  to  shame.  This  evening  there  was  a  singing  school 
in  the  church,  and  the  meeting  was  dispensed  with  to  let 
them  sing.  One  reason  why  I  would  consent  to  it,  is  on 
account  of  my  health.  I  have  taken  a  severe  cold,  so 
that  I  find  it  very  difficult  to  talk  or  pray,  and  a  constant 


LEWIS    ALFRED   WICKES.  251 

pain  in  my  breast,  so  that  I  have  felt  it  to  be  duty  to  hold 
up  a  little  while.  But,  the  Lord  helping  me,  I  will  go 
forward  still  with  the  work  until  I  must  stop.  But  I  will 
wait  until  after  the  Sabbath  before  I  close  this  sheet. 

Monday  morning,  16th.  Was  quite  a  blustering  day, 
but  the  people  said  they  had  a  large  congregation,  though 
1  thought  it  was  small — their  house,  I  think,  not  half  full. 
Main-,  they  say,  were  in  who  are  never  seen  in  the  house 
of  the  Lord.  I  preached  all  day.  There  was  quite  a 
a  good  attention,  and  some  feeling.  They  are  quite  an 
uncouth  and  rough  looking  set  of  people.  And  if  "  it  is 
not  all  gold  that  shines."  perhaps  that  which  does  not 
shine  may  be  gold,  and  may  yet  reign  in  the  golden  city; 
and  there  may  abound  blessings  to  those  that  earth  would 
disdain.  They  seem  to  listen  to  what  is  said,  yet  there  is 
very  poor  preparation  indeed  here  for  the  work  of  the 
Lord,  and  most  of  the  people  are  glued  to  their  houses. 
They  say  this  is  a  real  gambling  hole.  The  first  Judge  of 
the  county  resides  here,  and  is  reputed  to  be  a  gambler 
and  scarce  never  attends  church.  O,  what  a  set  of  rulers 
our  nation  has  got!  "When  the  wicked  bear  rule,  the 
people  mourn,"  and  it  is  a  wonder  to  me  if  they  will  not 
wail  and  lament  as  well  as  mourn.  But  may  it  please 
the  Lord  to  avert  the  storm  that  may  be  gathering  over 
us,  and  let  us  be  found  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  lie 
humble  before  Him.  I  find  that  my  heart  is  prone  to 
wander  from  the  Lord,  and  He  only  can  keep  me  in  His 
hand;  and  O,  may  I  ever  be  found  in  Him,  and  of  His 
righteousness  partake. 

The  people  of  God  have  much  to  do;  to  watch  and 
pray,  lest  in  this  time  to  try  men's  souls  they  forsake  the 
rock  of  their  salvation.     Tell    the    children   to    love   the 


1W1  LIFE   AM)  LETTERS  Ob 

Savior,  and   tell  all  to  lie   humble   before  God,  and   may 
the  Lord  smile  upon  you  all. 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


An  extract. 

Chateaugay,  April  16,  1845. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

Since  I  wrote  you  the  Lord  has  appeared  for  our  help 
and  has  truly  been  our  deliverer.  There  have  been  a 
good  many  backsliders  brought  to  bow  at  the  foot  of  the 
cross,  and  a  goodly  number  of  sinners  have  given  up  all 
to  the  Lord,  as  we  hope.  The  number  I  cannot  say. 
There  have  been  some  conversions  of  persons  as  old  as  fifty- 
five  and  sixty.  There  are  the  most  men  affected,  as  there  is 
by  far  a  much  larger  class  of  them  impenitent  than  of  the 
other  sex.  The  community  seems  to  be  on  the  moves 
and  a  large  number  attend  in  the  evening,  and  something 
of  a  number  in  the  daytime.  There  have  been  some 
cases  of  interest.  In  the  village  there  have  been  some 
four  or  five  family  altars  erected  to  the  Lord,  and  quite  a 
number  in  the  town.  I  believe  I  mentioned  Dr.  B. 
had  relatives  living  here.  Some  of  them  are  what  are 
called  hard  cases.  We  hope  that  three  or  four  of  his 
connection  have  bowed  at  the  feet  of  Jesus.  A  cousin 
of  his  by  marriage,  is  a  backsliding,  drinking,  gambling. 
Baptist  preacher.  Keeps  tavern,  but  has  made  some 
little  confession,  and  burnt  up  two  packs  of  cards,  but  is 
not  yet,  it  is  thought,  what  he  should  be.    One  physician. 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  253 

we  hope,  has  given  his  heart  to  God ;  and  another  physi- 
cian's wife,  two  merchants,  and  one  wife.  I  know  not 
what  the  Lord  will  do  yet.  I  do  pray  for  greater  things, 
and  I  do  pray  God  that  He  will  show  His  mighty  power 
in  bringing  hard  hearted  men  to  humble  themselves.  I 
find,  in  some  respects,  this  one  of  the  most  difficult  places 
that  I  ever  labored  in,  viz.,  the  want  of  moral  principle. 
They  seem  not  to  feel  moral  obligation  at  all ;  yet  the 
Lord  may  show  them  their  vile  hearts  and  make  them 
feel  their  awful  condition.  And  my  only  hope  is  in  Him; 
He  can  turn  them  as  the  rivers  of  waters  are  turned — the 
cause  is  His.  Brother  M.,  of  N.,  has  been  here  and  spent 
a  few  days,  and  has  done  much  good.  It  was  the  former 
place  of  his  labors  and  they  think  much  of  him — and  he 
is  worthy  of  their  esteem.  Pray  much  for  me.  The 
people  of  Lawrence  want  that  the  meeting  in  that  place 
be  deferred  until  about  the  first  of  June,  if  I  can.  But  I 
do  not  know  what  I  shall  do.  I  was  expecting  to  return 
in  two  weeks,  but  I  cannot  tell.  We  have  a  good  turn- 
out notwithstanding  bad  traveling.  There  have  been 
as  many  as  eighty  forward  for  prayers  at  a  time,  and 
most  of  them  men.  May  the  Lord  have  mercy  upon 
them!  But  O,  the  wickedness  of  this  place!  I  have 
not  time  to  point  it  out.      Love  to  all. 

Farewell, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


An  extract. 

April  25th.  The  meeting  is  now  quite  interesting, 
and  there  have  been  quite  a  goodly  number  hopefully 
converted,  and  brought  into  the  fold  of  the  Saviour.    The 


254  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

meeting  has  been  crowned  with  the  blessing"  of  God.  To 
Him  be  all  the  glory  and  honor.  The  Saviour's  promise 
has  been  truly  verified:  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway; 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  world." 

L.  A.  W. 


Massena  Jan..  [845. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Parents: 
r.iithday    By  this  time  I   suppose  you  are  often  saying 
letter   to   that  Lewis  has  forgotten    his   birth-day  letter 
parents,     and  why  do  we  not  hear  from  him,  and  a  good 
many  other  things  which  would  take  me  a  long  while  to 
answer.     But   I  would  say  that  since  I  wrote  you  from 
West  S.  I  have  preached  every  day  but  two  and  nearly 
all  the  time  twice  a  day,  besides  a  meeting  each  day  for 
inquiry  and  prayer.     And  besides   I  have  written  about 
one    hundred  and  twelve  quires  of  paper  into  letters  and 
I  have  not  got  around  yet.     Neither  have  I  heard  direct- 
ly from  Albany. 

CHATEAUGAY,  Franklin  Co..  N.Y.,  March  19,  1845. 
The  above  I  wrote  at  the  time  of  the  date,  and  since 
that  I  have  been  all  the  time  engaged  one  day  and  anoth- 
er. I  plead  guilty  to  the  charge  of  negligence,  though  I 
have  been  busy,  yet  I  might  have  taken  time  to  have 
written  a  few  lines.  I  think  the  time  I  wrote  you  was 
about  the  first  of  my  meeting  in  West  Stockholm.  Since 
that  time  I  have  held  some  four  long  meetings  and  been  al- 
lowed the  privilege  of  seeing  the  hopeful  conversion  of  at 
least  three  hundred  and  fifty  souls.  To  God  be  all  the  glory. 
And  it  has  been  in  the  midst  of  discouragements  which 
could  not    be   imagined   but    by  those    who   were  on  the 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  2").") 

ground.  All  the  evils  of  Millerism,  Spiritualism,  wifeism, 
church  contention,  singing  school  jealousy,  slothful  pro- 
fessors, Universalis!  ridicule,  ignorant  superstition  and 
unbelieving  professors.  And  so  many  are  the  obstacles 
that  none  but  a  God  could  help  forward  the  work.  So 
gloriously  did  God  work  that  the  politician  note  of  warn- 
ing was  not  sounded,  nor  heard,  and  the  winter  has  passed 
with  meetings  every  day  and  all  day.  "  And  the  Lord 
has  overthrown  the  horse  and  his  rider."  The  subjects 
of  the  work  are  from  the  men  of  threescore  and  fifteen,  to 
the  child  oi  eight  and  ten  years  of  age.  Nearly  all  classes 
of  persons  and  many  who  have  never  been  into  the  house 
of  the  Lord.  Truly,  what  hath  God  wrought  for  us.  To 
His  name  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor,  for  His  own 
right  hand  has  done  the  work.  After  closing  at  Massena, 
I  started  for  home  and  spent  about  three  days  at  home ! 
since  the  7th  of  last  October.  And  then  I  started  for 
this  place.  I  am  now  130  miles  from  home  and  200 
miles  from  A.,  within  four  miles  of  Lower  Canada  lines, 
and  a  wretched  hole  it  is.  They  have  a  small  village  of 
some  twenty-five  or  thirty  families  and  not  a  family  altar 
here  except  in  the  family  where  I  board,  and  that  has  been 
erected  since  I  came  here.  And  all  manner  of  wickedness 
seems  to  be  carried  on  here.  And  this  people  are  ex- 
tremely ignorant,  with  the  exception  of  a  very  few.  The 
first  Judge  of  the  county  resides  here,  and  is  reputed  to  be 
the  leader  in  the  gambling  line.  Of  all  the  congregations 
I  think  this  exceeds  all  I  have  seen  of  late.  Rough,  un- 
couth, real  bushwhackers,  and  among  the  rest  Dr.  B. 
has  an  uncle  and  a  cousin  or  two  here.  One  of  his  cous- 
ins was  into  meeting  the  other  evening  but  could  not 
wait  until  he  uot  out  of  church   before  he   must  litrht  his 


li.'lli  LIFE    AND   LETTERS  OF 

pipe  and" begin  to  smoke.  They  say  he  has  not  been  known 
for  a  long  time  to  visit  the  house  of  God  before.  I  shall 
try  and  see  him  for  the  Dr.'s  sake  and  for  Christ's  sake. 
On  my  visit  home  I  found  all  well.  It  is  the  Lords 
mercies  that  we  are  spared  and  His  loving  kindness  to  us 
is  great.  The  Lord  has  sustained  me  thus  far,  and  I 
want  to  lie  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  and  honor  God  in  my 
whole  life,  and  I  wish  not  to  hold  my  life  dear  unto 
myself,  that  I  may  finish  my  course  with  joy.  And  my 
life  be  such  that  it  may  be  an  honor  to  my  parents,  my 
family  and  to  the  church  of  God.  I  hope  my  dear  par- 
ents are  enjoying  much  of  the  presence  of  God,  and  all 
the  brothers  and  sisters.  Oh,  for  a  family  like  heaven, 
to  be  always  doing  the  will  of  God,  and  yet  meet  to- 
gether in  the  Paradise  above.     Love  to  all.     I  am  as  ever, 

Your  eldest  son, 

L.  A.  WTCKES. 


Chateaugay,  April  2,  1845. 
My  Brother  Cross: 

You  will  perceive  by  this  that  I  have  arrived  on  the 
battle  field  of  the  North.  I  passed  you  about  two  or 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  da}-  I  expected  to, 
when  I  saw  you  last,  having  made  a  stay  at  home  of 
three  days  !  And  found  my  family  quite  well,  and  enjoy- 
ing the  comforts  of  life  except  religion,  which  I  found  in 
rather  a  low  ebb.  Oh,  may  God  have  mercy  upon  them. 
I  arrived  in  this  place  on  the  13th  of  March,  and  was 
sick,  tired  and  faint-hearted,  within  three  miles  of  Canada, 
in  a  village  of  some  twenty-five  or  thirty  families,  and 
where  there  was  not  a  family  altar  in   the  whole  place,  or 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  257 

was  not  when  I  came  here  and  I  know  not  that  there  is 
but  one  now.  But  I  pray  God  He  will  give  us  more. 
The  church  is  in  a  miserable  state.  Down  at  the  lowest 
ebb.  But  few  that  have  been  in  attendance  during  the 
day  time.  In  the  evening  there  is  a  goodly  number  out. 
The  state  of  community  in  this  place  is  miserable,  and 
moral  principles  have  been  very  low ;  and  in  many,  scarce 
a  vestige  of  moral  principle  left  for  them  to  feel  or  to  be 
governed  by.  Yet,  after  all,  there  is  a  chance  to  work  and 
teach  and  instruct  as  well  as  exhort,  and  indeed  they  must 
have  and  learn  it  or  nothing  permanent  can  be  done  with 
them.  They  have  been  scorched  over  here  by  the  wild- 
fire of  the  Miller  excitement,  of  the  world  coming  to  an 
end,  and  many  were  quite  religious  while  the  hour  was 
rolling  on  for  the  world  to  end,  but  as  the  world  did  not 
come  to  an  end  their  religion  has  ended.  Oh,  how  many 
we  have  reason  to  fear  have  built  upon  a  false  hope.  I 
found  it  to  be  a  very  difficult  post  to  fill,  to  get  the  mind 
on  the  right  object  to  lead  the  sinner  to  Christ.  But  the 
Lord  has  appeared  and  some  souls  have  given  pleasing 
evidence  of  a  saving  change  of  heart.  One  man  that  was 
about  fifty  years  old,  who  had  been  a  most  wicked  and 
vile  being,  and  one  who  knew  enough  to  know  and  do 
better.  Oh,  may  God  keep  him !  There  were  about 
forty  forward  for  prayers  last  evening,  and  the  most  of 
them  were  men  from  eighteen  to  fifty  years  of  age,  and 
several  told  us  they  now  gave  their  hearts  to  God 
and  His  cause.  One  among  them,  a  lawyer.  He  had 
been  trying  to  survey,  but  he  could  not  run  a  straight 
line  all  he  could  do,  he  felt  so  bad,  and  he  could  live  so  no 
longer.  There  have  been  a  goodly  number  of  back-sliders 
brought  to  bow  and  take  up  their  cross  and  follow    the 


258  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Savior  and  confess  their  awful  wanderings  from  the  Lord. 
The  region  is  full  of  these  creatures  who  once  indulged 
hopes.  They  were  the  children  of  God  and  some  have  lived 
so  that  no  one  would  know  that  they  scarce  ever  thought 
of  God.  Oh,  when  will  God's  people  ever  do  their  duty 
and  live  before  the  Lord  all  the  time  a  life  of  devotedness 
as  becomes  the  children  of  God?  How  glad  I  shall  be 
to  see  the  time  when  the  people  of  God  will  make  the 
religion  of  Christ  their  life's  business,  and  do  all  in  their 
power  to  advance  the  cause  and  bring  souls  to  bow  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross,  it  is  such  blessed  work  that  I 
wonder  how  any  man  can  do  anything  but  live  for  the 
Lord  all  the  time.  But  alas,  I  find  I  have  a  very  treach- 
erous heart  to  deal  with,  and  have  to  be  on  the  look-out 
all  the  time,  lest  the  devil  get  the  advantage  of  me,  and 
then  he  will  come  behind  with  his  crafty  devices  ere  I  am 
aware.  I  find  there  is  much  to  do  in  this  whole  region. 
I  wish  you  was  here  with  me.  I  want  some  help  very 
much,  and  can  you  not  leave  and  come  out  here?  My 
health  is  poor,  and  I  have  to  put  on  all  the  ambition 
which  I  can  command  to  get  along.  The  minister  is  a 
good  man,  but  he  wants  more  strength  in  a  dead  lift. 
This  is  my  first  meeting  in  this  county  (  Franklin ),  wheth- 
er I  shall  stay  in  this  count}-  is  uncertain.  Remember 
me  to  Deacon  White,  Allen  and  Walker,  and  all.  Tell 
all  to  pray  for  me  and  this  place.  How  many  have  come 
to  Christ  since  I  last  saw  you  ?  Brother,  let  us  ever  be 
found  with  our  fisher's  coat  on,  looking  to  Christ  for  help, 
and  relying  on  His  blessed  promises.  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you 
alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. "  Matt.  28:20. 
Write  me  soon.     Love  to  sister  C. 

Your  brother  in  haste, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  25!» 

Chateaugay,  April  25,  1845. 
My  Affectionate  Daughter: — 

I  have  been  wishing  you  would  write  to  me  and  let  me 
know  how    you    are    busying    yourself,  and  I    thought  I 
would  write  to   you  and  tell    you    about    things    in    this 
place.     I  will  begin  by  saying  that  I  board   with  Mr.  H.t 
a  merchant  in  this  village,  and  Mrs.  H.  has  assigned  me 
a  very  pleasant  well  furnished  parlor,  and  what  makes  it 
more  so,  is  we  have  a  good  many  seasons  of  prayer.  And 
I  have    often    wished    you    was  here  to    mingle  in  them. 
But  this  docs  not  seem  to  be  the  mind  of  the  Lord.     My 
sleeping  room  is  the  room  over  the  parlor  with  all  neces- 
sary conveniences.     While  it  is  pleasant,  yet  it  is  my  own 
little  family  that  I  find  not  there.     I  there  take  a  journey 
home  and  visit    you  all  and  can    imagine    I  see  you    fast 
asleep  as  it  is  about  midnight  when  I  retire.     But  I  can- 
not speak  to  you,  so  I  ask  our  heavenly  Father    that  He 
will  indeed  protect  and    guard  you    in  all  your  slumbers. 
And  so  also  1  want    you  to  pray.     1  will    now  tell    you 
about  the  place  and  people.     I  went    some  one    hundred 
and  fifty  rods  the  other  day  to  see  the  place  where   the 
army  had  their  quarters  (called  camping)  during  the  last 
war.    They  had  nothing  but  log  houses  called  barracks, 
which  are  all    torn  down    and    burned  up,  still  a    part  of 
their  chimneys  remain  and  I  counted  about  thirty-five  of 
them  and  all  laid  out  in  order.     They  cleared  off  a  large 
field  of  land  for  a  parade   ground,   that  they  could   learn 
how  to  kill  one  another.     Oh,  how  cruel  is  the  art  of  war ! 
While  they  were  here  there  were  many  of  them  died  from 
yellow  fever.     I  visited  the  place  where  they  were  depos- 
ited.    But  there  were  no  traces  of  the  grave,  as  it    was 
all  ploughed  over  and  covered  with  crops  and  no  monu- 


260  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

ment  to  tell  where  they  lay !  I  had  many  curious 
thoughts.  Many  of  them  I  suppose  were  fathers  and 
husbands,  yet  no  kind  wife  near  them  to  administer  the 
cordial  to  their  parched  lips,  and  no  affectionate  daugh- 
ter to  wipe  the  death  sweat  from  the  brow.  How  many 
wives  and  children  were  made  destitute  by  the  ravages, 
and  often  saying  why  does  not  my  father  come  home  ? 
But  to  the  grave  they  have  gone.  Yet,  the  slumbering 
dust  will  awaken,  and  if  they  were  among  those  who  love 
God,  He  will  remember  them.  And  though  our  country 
may  let  the  place  of  the  soldier's  tomb  be  forgotten,  -yet 
not  so  our  heavenly  Father  when  we  will  serve  Him. 
And  I  thought,  shall  I  have  to  lay  my  bones  by  the  side 
of  these  and  my  own  daughter  never  know  where  her 
father's  grave  is?  Well,  we  will  be  consoled  by  this  one 
thought,  viz.,  the  Lord  knows  where  we  may  lay  and  can 
bring  us  up  at  the  last  great  day.  But  the  great  thing 
is  for  us  to  live  so  that  when  we  arise  we  shall  not  have 
to  look  on  a  useless  life  in  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer. 
And  may  it  be  your  happy  lot  to  dwell  with  your  Savior. 
Read  Dan.  12:1-3,  and  ask  your  mother  to  teach  you  the 
meaning.  There  used  to  be  a  system  of  wickedness  here 
which  has  had  a  sad  influence  on  the  rising  generation  as 
well  as  the  original  perpetrators.  There  was  reputed  to 
be  a  great  many  wolves  in  this  part  of  the  state,  and  the 
people  wanted  to  free  themselves  of  the  destroyers.  There- 
was  a  bounty  bid  on  the  head  of  every  wolf  of  sixty  dol- 
lars. Twenty  dollars  by  the  town,  twenty  by  the  county 
and  twenty  by  the  state,  and  the  people  went  into  the 
business  of  catching  them.  When  a  man  caught  a  wolf 
he  had  to  take  the  head  to  a  magistrate  and  the  magis- 
trate cut  off  the  ears  and  then  gave  the  man  a  certificate, 


LEWIS  ALFRED   VVICKES.  2(!1 

and  with  this  he  would  get  his  money.  And  they  killed 
dogs  and  took  them  and  got  a  bounty  on  them.  And 
they  finally  went  so  far  that  they  would  get  the  magis- 
trate drunk  and  then  tell  him  they  had  caught  some 
wolves  and  get  him  to  go  out  in  the  night  in  the  dark  and 
cut  off  their  ears  and  they  would  have  a  young  calf  or 
two  or  more  and  call  them  wolves  and  get  their  premium 
on  them.  So  that  the  farmer's  tax  sometimes  was  one 
hundred  dollars  a  year.  And  they  had  to  take  their 
oath  that  they  had  killed  the  wolf  and  by  thus  doing 
they  have  made  themselves  liable  to  state  prison.  And 
it  is  said  that  some  of  them  got  sixteen  hundred  dollars 
a  year,  when  they  had  not  killed  more  than  one  or  two 
wolves,  but  had  taken  other  quadrupeds.  And  some  of 
them  do  not  like  it  because  I  tell  them  that  God  will 
bring  them  into  judgment  and  there  it  will  be  known. 
And  nearly  every  one  of  those  who  were  engaged  in  it 
are  poor  and  miserable  beings,  and  lost  all  their  property, 
fulfilling  what  Solomon  says  in  Proverbs  13:11,  20  and 
2 1  st.  Let  all  remember  that  there  is  a  God  and  still  He- 
lives,  and  they  must  meet  Him.  All  this  seems  to  be  in 
the  way  of  their  coming  to  the  foot  of  the  cross.  Oh 
may  the  Lord  show  them  their  sins. 

The  meeting  here  is  now  quite  interesting;  there  have 
been  quite  a  goodly  number  hopefully  brought  into  the 
fold  of  the  Savior.  Ann  Wilbur,  cousin  to  D.  and  S., 
has  just  been  into  my  room  and  been  trying  to  pray  and 
return  to  her  Savior  from  whom  she  had  wandered.  Do 
you  pray  when  none  but  God  can  hear  and  know  how 
much  you  desire  to  be  useful  in  the  cause  of  Jesus  ?  Give 
my  love  to  all. 

Your  affectionate  father, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


MEETINGS    AT     BURKE,    LAWRENCEVILLE 
AND  MOIRA. 


BURKE,  Franklin  Co.  N.  Y.,  May  17,  1845. 
My   Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

•9 

SUPPOSE  yon  are  asking  what  has  become  of 
your  husband.  I  can  say  I  started  for  home 
some  two  weeks  ago  and  got  as  far  as  here,  and 
then,  by  the  earnest  request  of  the  friends  and  church,  I 
stayed  by  the  day  until  now,  and  may  stay  longer.  But 
in  all  probability  shall  not  be  here  long,  as  they  have 
nothing  but  a  school-house  to  meet  in,  and  that  is  wanted 
A  letter  from  for  school.  And  I  shall  probably  start 
Bmke.  some  thirty  miles  towards  home  and  stop 
at  Lawrenceville  and  hold  another  meeting,  and  com- 
mence week  after  next.  There  have  been  hopeful  conver- 
sions nearly  every  day  that  I  have  been  here.  To  God 
be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor  for  all  the  mighty  deeds 
He  has  done  !  The  last  night  of  the  meeting  at  Cha- 
teaugay  there  were  one  hundred  and  sixty  persons 
forward  for  prayers,  and  eighty-five  rose  and  spoke  of 
their  delight  and  determination   in    the  service  of  God 

262 


LEWIS    ALFRED   WICKES.  2(io 

besides  some  twenty-five  professors  who  also  wanted  the 
privilege  of  speaking  of  the  goodness  of  God,  so  that  our 
meeting  did  not  close  until  after  midnight!  And  then 
we  had  to  really  choke  them  off.  It  would  have  done 
your  soul  good  to  have  been  there.  The  minister  here 
has  missionary  aid  from  the  H.  M.  S.,  for  the  people  are 
poor.  But  if  I  can  do  them  good,  and  lead  souls  to 
honor  my  Saviour,  it  is  all  I  ask,  and  God  will  take  care 
of  us  so  long  as  we  obey  and  follow  Him.  To-morrow  I 
expect  to  have  to  preach  in  a  barn,  as  there  is  no  house 
that  will  hold  the  people,  and  O,  may  He  who  was 
born  in  the  manger  be  present  with  us,  for  His  mercy 
and  holy  name's  sake,  and  grant  His  blessing  to  us  ! 

May  2 1  st.  Since  writing  the  above  I  have  not  had 
time  to  say  more,  but  have  labored  all  the  time,  and  we 
hope  there  have  been  quite  a  goodly  number  of  hopeful 
conversions.  To  God  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor  for 
all  His  mighty  acts,  and  for  the  goodness  which  He  has 
shown  to  this  people!  I  have  finally  found  it  impossible 
for  me  to  come  home  before  my  meeting  at  Lawrenceville. 
Remember  me  to  all  friends,  and  tell  them  to  pray  for  me 
and  this  region,  and  so  let  us  live  that  the  Lord  may 
smile  upon  us  all,  and  let  nothing  keep  us  from  the  love 
of  God,  and  from  holding  free  intercourse  with  the  Father 
of  our  spirits.      Kiss  the  children  for  me. 

Your  husband,  as  ever, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Lawrenceville,  June  2,  1845, 
My  Brother  Cross: 

I   was  expecting  to  see  you  at  consociation,  but  such 
is  the  state  of  things  here,  I   find  it  will  be  out  of  the 


2K4  LIFE    AXO   LETTERS  OF 

question  to  leave  here.  I  hope  you  will  find  it  among 
the  consistent  things  of  your  life  to  come  out  here  and 
spend  one  week  at  least.  I  do  want  your  help  a  little, 
and  I  will  help  you  as  much.  If  you  come  out  to  attend 
the  installation  of  Brother  Cutler,  on  the  first  of  July, 
why  cannot  you  stay?  I  hope,  brother,  you  will  find  it 
consistent  with  your  arrangenents  to  so  do.  There  are 
some  things  which  look  encouraging  here,  while  there  is 
Mr.  Cross.  much  to  discourage.  We  hope  there  have 
Lawrenceville.  been  a  few  hopeful  conversions,  and  quite 
a  number  of  backsliders  reclaimed. 

Brother,  pray  for  me,  and  for  this  place;  pray  much 
for  me  that  I  may  have  that  meek  and  humble  spirit 
which  a  minister  of  Christ  should  have.  Why  is  it  I 
must  carry  so  hard  a  heart  all  the  time?  All  things  have 
some  feeling  but  this  hard  heart  of  mine !  With  the  ex- 
pectation that  I  shall  see  you,  I  will  write  no  mere;  but 
when  I  see  you  I  will  tell  you  all. 

Your  brother  in  Christ, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Lawrenceville,  June  17,  1845. 
My  Dear  Wife  : 

There  is  but  little  done  here  as  yet.  I  think  it  is  one 
of  the  most  discouraging  fields  of  labor  that  I  have  ever 
A  short  extract  been  in.  There  are  a  few  that  we  hope 
written  after  leav- have  given  their  hearts  to  God,  but  noth- 
ing Burke  ing  seems  to  give  way;  and  yet  there  is 
some  feeling  among  the  churches.  Yet  the  obstacles  in 
the  way  are  very  great  indeed.  I  do  pray  that  good  may 
yet  be  done.     May  we  keep  our  hearts  low   before  God, 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  265 

and  watch  and  pray,  and  keep  humble  and  prayerful  till 
the  light  of  His  countenance  beams  upon  us,  and  we  may 
yet  witness  the  displays  of  His  power.  O  !  for  faith  that 
works  by  love,  that  purifies  the  heart,  overcomes  the 
world,  and  brings  the  speedy  blessing  down,  for  Jesus' 
sake.  I  must  close.  Tell  the  children  to  be  kind  and 
good  and  pray  for  a  new  heart,  and  to  serve  God  with  all 
their  soul.     Pray  much  for  this  place. 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


A  short  extract. — June  29th.     Lawrenceville.      Says 
he  had  a  cold,  tedious  ride  to  that   place,  and   arrange- 
There  were  con-  ments  had  been  made  for  his  board  at  a 
versions    at    the  tavern,  and  nothing  very  encouraging  here 
Tavern.        as  yet.     Last  Sabbath  a  crowded  house 
and  the  opinion  was  that  the  place  would  be  too  small 
for  them  soon.     "Well,"  (he  says),  "the  Lord  has  got  a 
great  house  for  us,  and  O  !  may  we  sit  at  the  foot  of  the 
cross,  where  the  Savior  can  smile  upon  us. 
Love  to  all.     Pray  much. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Stows  Square,  July  28,  1845. 
My  Dear  Parents: 

Cheap  postage    does  not    help  write   letters    at  all,  do 

you  think  it  does?     It  takes  just  as  much  resolution  now 

as  it  ever  did  and  I  think  a  little  more.     You  will  perceive 

by  this    that  I  have   finally  arrived    at    home  once    more 

17 


266  LIFE  AND    LETTERS    OF 

with  my  dear  family  after  an  absence  of  between  four  and 
five  months,  and  in  fact  I  have  scarcely  been  at  home  for 
better  than  nine  months  (only  three  days)  and  nothing 
but  the  work  of  the  Lord  would  have  kept  me  from  my 
home.  But  when  I  see  souls  bowing  at  the  foot  of  the 
cross  daily,  and  giving  honor  to  the  Lord,  I  had  rather 
be  in  such  a  place  than  in  the  midst  of  mere  earthly  bliss 
and  no  Savior  in  it.  But  it  is  heart  sickening  to  see  the 
state  of  the  church  in  this  whole  region.  The  very  price 
of  blood  is  and  will  be  found  on  the  hands  of  those  who 
are  stationed  on  the  walls  of  Zion.  To  see  them  all 
wrapped  in  sleep  and  doing  nothing  while  immortal  spirits 
are  fast  going  into  eternity,  is  awful  beyond  description 
and  the  people  love  to  have  it  so.  And  the  great  dearth 
there  is,  they  put  all  on  the  sovereignty  of  God  as  a  cloak 
and  an  excuse  for  their  indolence.  I  often  feel  that  I  am 
the  most  guilty  of  all,  for  my  heart  is  so  hard,  that  I  see 
the  cause  dishonored  and  yet  I  feel  no  more.  Since  I  left 
home  in  March  the  Lord  has  graciously  been  with  me, 
and  His  blessing  has  followed  much  of  the  labors  that 
have  been  put  forth.  When  I  could  hear  of  no  revival  in 
any  direction,  yet  the  Lord  was  with  us  and  sinners  were 
daily  brought  to  bow  at  His  feet,  and  the  cause  of  Christ 
has  been  advancing  in  both  the  counties  of  Franklin  and 
St.  Lawrence.  The  Lord  in  answer  to  prayer  and  by 
His  Holy  Spirit  has  worked,  and  several  hundred  of  our 
fellow  men  have  been  brought  to  bow  at  the  feet  of  Jesus. 
And  among  them  are  persons  in  nearly  all  the  ranks  of 
life,  as  well  as  ages,  from  the  man  of  85  years  to  the 
child  of  8  and  10  years.  And  many  of  them  were  per- 
sons who  had  gone  far  in  sin,  and  spent  most  of  their 
time  ridiculing   the   things   of  religion   and   making  this 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  267 

world  their  God,  and  among  others  who  had  bowed  be- 
fore the  Lord  the  inebriate  has  found  the  waters  of  life 
pleasant  to  his  thirsty  soul,  and  which  will  be  a  living 
fountain  in  many  of  them.  We  will  give  all  the  glory  and 
the  honor  to  Him  who  has  done  so  much  for  us.  Yea,  He 
is  worthy  of  more  praise  than  all  the  powers  on  earth 
can  express,  and  my  prayer  is  that  I  may  ever  consecrate  all 
I  have  to  the  service  of  the  Lord.  He  can  create  and  He 
destroy.  My  voice  is  quite  poor  since  I  closed  my  meet- 
ing, I  think  it  is  poorer  than  when  constantly  laboring. 
I  shall  not  probably  engage  in  any  meeting  for  a  few 
weeks.  As  to  my  future  course  I  cannot  say  what  I 
shall  do.  I  sometimes  think  of  "settling  down"  as  folks 
call  it.  Yet  I  cannot  see  it  to  be  my  duty  as  yet.  It  has 
been  a  peculiar  train  of  Providence  that  has  placed  me 
in  the  field  of  labor  where  I  now  am  placed  and  I  dare 
not  take  any  course  which  would  be  displeasing  to  God. 
And  all  I  wish  to  know  is,  what  is  duty  to  the  cause  of 
God,  and  I  will  do  it.  I  do  ask  your  prayers  and  your 
counsel  that  God  would  open  the  path  of  duty  plainly 
before  me,  and  I  will  gladly  walk  in  it.  All  send  love 
to  all. 

Your  son  as  ever,  write  me  soon. 

LEWIS  A.  WICKES. 


MoiRA,  Franklin  Co.,  Nov.  17,  1845. 
My  Dear  Parents: 

I  have  been  here  some  six  days.      It  is  a  place  of 
some  refinement,  and   some   intelligence.     Not    a   large 


2()8  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

place.  They  have  a  new  church  just  dedicated  to 
Almighty  God,  and  the  service  of  the  Lord  we  hope  has 
commenced  indeed.  The  meeting  has  been  held  as  yet 
only  afternoons  and  evenings,  and  the  congregation  is  fill- 
ing up  quite  fast,  and  the  interest  is  increasing  to  some 
extent.  Things  were  very  dark  indeed  when  1  came. 
There  was  quite  a  division  and  excitement  about  Cal- 
vinism and  Arminianism!  So  both  parties  were  about 
fighting  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  the  devil  laughing  at 
them.  But  I  am  in  hopes  the)'  will  get  down  at  the  foot 
of  the  cross  of  Jesus,  and  be  brought  to  work  together 
and  forget  their  party  names  altogether,  for,  I  find  the 
more  men  love  the  Lord  and  engage  in  his  service,  the 
less  they  care  about  the  "mint,  anise,  cummin,"  Matt. 
23:  23,  and  use  of  religion.  While  these  may  have 
their  appropriate  place,  yet  they  are  not  the  whole  nor 
any  of  the  absolute  essential  parts  of  religion.  And  when 
I  find  men  making  this  the  great  thing,  I  find  they  are 
very  low  in  spirituality.  Tell  all  to  pray  for  me  and 
this  place.  Love  to  all.  Remember  me  to  Cousins 
Rodney  and  Sidney. 

As  ever  your  son. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 
P.  S.— 1 8th. — The  meeting  is  becoming  rather  interest- 
ing and  this  morning  I  have  been  out  visiting  and  find 
some  very  interesting  cases  indeed.  And  yet  there  is 
much  to  be  done.  Some  of  the  impenitent  are  quite 
thoughtful.  Oh,  that  the  Lord  would  visit  them  with 
His  renewing  grace,  and  which  He  is  willing  to  do  if  they 
will  only  submit  to  Him  to  be  saved  by  grace  divine. 

Your  son. 

L.    A.    WICKES. 


LEWIS     ALFRED    VVICKES.  269 

November  24.  An  extract.  Dear  Wife: — The 
meeting  is  now  becoming  quite  interesting.  Two  or  three 
evenings  ago  after  family  worship,  two  young  ladies  came 
into  my  room  and  desired  me  to  pray  for  them  that  they 
might  be  made  to  see  their  hearts  and  become  Christians. 
We  bowed  in  prayer.  And  they  have  appeared  very 
thoughtful  indeed  until  last  evening,  when  they  both 
bowed  and  called  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  there 
hoped  they  gave  themselves  to  God.  One  of  them  is 
daughter  of  Mr.  L.  with  whom  I  board,  her  name  Sarah. 
And  the  other,  a  friend  of  hers,  who  lives  in  the  family 
when  she  is  not  engaged  in  teaching.  Last  evening  was 
the  first  opportunity  given  for  rising  for  prayers  and  some 
eight  or  ten  rose.  I  have  not  held  meeting  all  day  as  yet 
but  shall  commence  to-morrow.  Mr.  Reed,  the  minister, 
is  not  with  us  but  a  part  of  the  time;  he  resides  about 
seventeen  miles  from  here,  he  left  for  home  this  morning, 
to  kill  his  hogs!  So  that  I  am  alone  most  of  the  time. 
Sabbath  we  attended  the  Methodist  quarterly  meeting. 
I  preached  the  sermon.  After  which  we  had  the  Lord's 
supper.  I  think  there  is  more  union  among  the  people 
than  when  I  came,  and  an  appearance  of  good  being 
done.  Still  I  find  that  much  of  the  work  has  yet  to  be 
done.  And  much  that  must  be  done  now  or  probably 
never.  Five  o'clock  p.  M.  I  have  just  returned  from 
meeting,  but  few  out,  but  a  good  degree  of  feeling.  S. 
and  her  friend  both  spoke  and  several  rose  for  prayers. 
After  meeting  I  spoke  to  a  young  lady  and  she  burst  into 
a  flood  of  tears  and  wanted  I  should  pray  for  her,  which 
I  did.  The  young  lady  called  upon  God  and  hoped  she 
gave  up  all  to  the  Lord.  While  I  was  praying  Sarah 
came  back  into  church  and  brought  two  of  her  cousins  in 


270  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

with  her  and  bowed  with  them  in  prayer,  and  they  felt  to 
surrender  all  to  the  Lord  who  died  to  save  them. 
Thanks  be  to  His  holy  name  for  the  gracious  manifesta- 
Nov.  25.  tions  of  His  spirit  on  the  heart.  Tuesday 
morning.  Dear  Wife.  The  Lord  was  in  the  congrega- 
tion last  eve.,  and  truth  took  hold  of  the  minds  of  men. 
(Text  Mark  2,  last  clause  of  1 7th  verse.)  They  have  had  so 
much  of  every  thing  here  that  many  are  afraid  to  move,  lest 
they  should  find  themselves  overpowered  by  some  de- 
lusion. Men  are  in  attendance  at  the  meeting  that  have 
never  been  known  to  go  to  meeting  at  all  and  and  are 
quite  serious.  Both  the  physicians  are  very  thoughtful. 
Pray  for  them  with  all  your  soul.  I  will  hold  my  sheet 
open  till  after  meeting  to-day.  6  o'clock  eve. — I  have  just 
closed  a  season  of  prayer  with  a  company  that  came  into 
my  room.  Several  to  day  have  chosen  the  Lord  to 
serve  Him,  and  some  three  or  four  family  altars  have 
been  reared  for  God,  and  to  His  name  be  all  the  glory. 
I  have  much  to  say  but  no  time  to  say  it,  as  I  must 
mail  this.  Pray  for  me  and  this  place.  Love  to  the 
children. 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

Dec.  1 1,  1845. 
An  extract.  P.  S.  I  have  but  a  moment  to  say  the 
Lord  is  with  us.  There  has  been  some  sixty  or  seventy 
forward  for  prayer,  and  some  very  interesting  cases 
of  conversion.  And  my  room  has  been  thronged  for 
several  days,  and  the  work  is  spreading,  and  deepening. 
It  now  is  meeting  time,  and  I  must  close.  Our  friend 
Mrs.  H.    of  Malone,  is  now  in    my  room,  and  sends  her 


LEWIS  AFFRED  WICKES.  271 

love  to  you.     I  am  requested  to  hold  my  next  meeting 
at  Gouverneur.     Think  it  is  probable  I  may.      To-night 
the  Lord  was  in  the  midst,  and  truth  took  effect.     Thank 
the  Lord.     Praise  His  holy  name.     Pray  for  us. 
As  ever  yours  affectionately, 

L.   A  WICKES. 


Being  the  thirty-sixth  anniversary  of  the  life  of  Lewis 
Alfred,  oldest  of  ten  children  of  Jonas  and  Sarah  B. 
Wickes;  and  the  nineteenth  year  of  my  Christian  life 
through  the  Redeemer's  blood,  thirteenth  of  the  gospel 
ministry,  and  fifth  of  my  exclusive  labors  as  an  evangelist, 
according  to  the  grace  of  God  given  unto  me,  and  of 
whom  I  am  not  worthy  to  be  called  His  child. 

Moira,  Franklin  Co.,  Dec.  8,  1845. 
My  Dear  and  most  Affectionate  Parents  : 

This  morning  thirty-six  years  ago  (as  you  say),  you 
remember — I  do  not— and  the  events  of  that  morning 
and  its  consequences  so  far,  you  have  known.  Little  did 
you  know  or  even  think  what  you  was  holding  in  that 
lap,  or  nursing  upon  that  breast.  Then  it  was  that  you 
watched  over  me;  then  it  was  you  thought  of  me.  I 
think  then  I  had  no  praying  father  or  mother;  I  was  the 
first  of  impenitent  parents.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  after 
I  was  born,- they  were  born  again.  And  well  do  I  re- 
member the  first  time  my  father  assembled  us,  a  family 
for  his  family  devotion.  And  when  he  bowed  his  knee 
to  call  on  the  Lord  in  the  log  house  at  what  was 
then  called  "the  West."     And  I  stood  up  straight   as   a 


272  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

candle,  and  thought  if  /  could  not  pray  better  than  that 
I  would  not  pray  at  all.  Then  my  young  heart  was 
filled  with  anger,  and  I  said  to  Brother  H.  I  would  not 
stay  at  home  if  there  was  going  to  be  such  work  as  that. 
But,  oh,  my  folly !  and,  oh,  my  wickedness!  I  trust  a 
Saviour  has  pardoned,  and  my  parents  also.  But  what 
changes  since,  and  how  checkered  has  been  life.  Some- 
times with  prospects  of  delight,  and  then  dark  and  dis- 
mal clouds,  that  seemed  to  threaten  all  hopes.  But 
still  the  sunbeams  of  my  Lord  have  shone  again,  and  life 
appears  once  more.  The  two  past  years  have  been 
peculiarly  years  of  trial  to  my  soul.  But  in  the  midst  of 
all  this  the  Lord  has  very  kindly  looked  upon  me  and 
granted  me  I  lis  assistance.  During  the  last  year  I  have 
taken  a  longer  respite  in  my  labors  than  I  have  before 
for  thirteen  years.  I  have  preached  during  the  year  about 
four  hundred  and  fifty  sermons,  and  attended  about  three 
hundred  prayer  and  inquiry  meetings.  I  have  held  eight 
different  protracted  meetings  in  as  many  different  places, 
which  have  lasted  from  three  to  eight  weeks,  and  there 
have  been  about  five  hundred  and  fifty  to  six  hundred 
hopeful  conversions.  And  many  of  them,  perhaps,  are 
not  the  children  of  God.  O,  may  He  search  and  see  and 
open  their  own  eyes  to  the  things  of  eternity,  as  well  as 
a  correct  view  of  their  own  hearts.  Yet,  in  justice,  I 
must  say  that  I  had  the  most  pleasing  evidence  of  their 
being  born  of  the  spirit  of  God.  It  is  God  that  has  done 
it :  to  His  great  name  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor  for 
the  wonders  He  has  wrought.  I  have,  during  the  year, 
traveled  about  fourteen  hundred  miles,  mostly  in  my  own 
private  conveyance.  I  suspended  my  labors  for  three  to 
four  months  on  account  of  my  health,  and   during   that 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  273 

time  I  did  more  mechanical  labor  than  any  time  since  I 
commenced  my  preaching,  only  preaching  occasionally 
on  the  Sabbath.  I  had  restored  my  health,  but  a  severe 
cold  has  brought  on  my  hoarseness.  But  I  feel  I  cannot 
stop  my  labors.  So  you  have  a  synopsis  of  my  past 
year.  I  am  sorry  that  it  is  no  better,  and  that  I  have 
done  no  more  good  in  the  cause  of  the  Lord.  But  if  I 
know  my  heart,  I  do  most  solemnly  wish  to  be  engaged 
in  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer.  Since  I  wrote  you  last 
the  Lord  has  graciously  smiled  upon  this  place,  and  quite 
a  goodly  number  have  come  to  Christ.  Some  of  the 
most  influential  persons  in  town  are  among  the  number. 
Two  physicians  are  subjects  of  this  work.  Thank  the 
Lord.  Two  young  ladies  came  to  my  room  after  family 
worship  (one  the  daughter  of  Mr.  L.,  with  whom  I  board,) 
and  wanted  I  should  pray  for  them.  We  bowed  in 
prayer;  in  a  short  time,  we  hope,  they  gave  all  to  Christ. 
On  going  out  of  church  hi  the  afternoon  a  young  lady 
was  weeping  in  the  aisle;  after  speaking  a  word  or  two 
with  her,  pointing  her  to  the  Savior,  we  bowed  in  prayer, 
and  while  we  were  praying,  Miss  L.  (above)  came  back  into 
the  church  and  brought  five  or  six  others,  and  fell  on 
their  bended  knees,  and  there,  we  hope,  several  gave  all 
up  to  the  Lord.  And  they  have  gone  to  work  for  the 
good  of  others.  Thus  the  Lord  has  put  His  own  hand 
to  the  work,  and  smiled  upon  His  own  truth. 

December  9th.  Last  eve  we  had  a  crowded  house, 
and  the  Lord  was  in  the  midst  of  us.  I  preached  from 
Ezek.  33:  11,  "As  I  live,"  etc.  At  the  close  there  were 
somewhere  about  sixty  presented  themselves  as  subjects 
of  prayer  and  hope.  A  large  number  gave  themselves 
to    the    Lord    to    be    His  in    a    covenant    never    to   be 


274  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

broken.  To  God  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor,  for  it  is 
His  due.  A  deep  feeling  is  pervading  the  whole  com- 
munity. Do  pray  that  God  will  make  this  day  of  my 
life  the  emblem  of  each  day  of  the  year.  I  ask  earnestly 
let  me  be  the  subject  of  your  prayers.  Perhaps  you 
have  not  a  child  that  with  so  much  propriety  can  say, 
pray  for  me  in  the  station  in  which  I  am  called,  with 
so  great  a  responsibility  resting  upon  me.  Love  to 
brothers  and  sisters  and  all. 

As  ever  your  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Moira,  Dec.   1 6,  1845. 
My  Dear  Wife  : 

I  have  just  this  moment  received  yours  of  the 
ninth.  I  have  been  rather  unwell  for  a  few  days.  I 
have  but  little  ministerial  help.  The  work  is  going  for- 
ward. Maj.  Lawrence  (with  whom  I  board),  I  trust, 
has  become  a  praying  man.  This  morning  he  took  lead 
in  the  family  devotion.  And  there  have  been  some 
twelve  or  fourteen  family  altars  erected  here.  And  the 
work  is  spreading  far,  and,  I  think,  deepening.  There 
have  been  somewhere  between  forty  and  fifty  hopeful 
conversions,  and  my  room  is  thronged  almost  as  much 
as  it  was  at  Adams.  Pray  for  this  work,  especially  for 
me. 

After  meeting,  half-past  seven  P.  M. — The  Lord  is  in 
the  midst  of  us,  and  moving  on  the  mass.  A  good 
number  of  married  people  rose  as  subjects  for  prayer, 
and  rose  as  an   evidence    of  their    giving  all  to  Christ. 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  275 

Text :  Ps.  57  :  7,  first  clause.  And  may  God  seal  it  upon 
the  hearts  of  all.  But  I  am  extremely  tired.  I  want 
you  to  live  near  the  Savior.  Love  to  the  children,  and 
tell  all  to  pray.     In  haste, 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


MoiRA,  December  29. 
My  Dear  Parents: 

The  bearer  of  this,  Hon.  Judge  S.  Lawrence  from  this 
place,  I  introduce  to  you,  is  a  member  of  the  Legislature, 
a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  an  active  Christian. 
A  brother  to  the  Mr.  Lawrence,  with  whom  I  have  board- 
ed during  this  long  meeting.  When  the  meeting  com- 
menced the  Judge's  three  brothers,  heads  of  families,  were 
impenitent.  He  commenced  asking  prayers  for  them  and 
their  families.  And  we  hope  that  each  of  those  brothers 
have  become  praying  men.  And  the  wife  of  one  of  them 
(the  others  were  professors),  the  only  son  and  daughter  of 
one  family,  two  daughters  of  another  family,  three  daugh- 
ters and  one  son,  if  not  three  of  the  other  family.  To 
God  be  all  the  glory.  You  will  find  him  an  agreeable 
guest.  I  hope  you  will  give  him  a  cordial  welcome.  As 
I  have  but  a  moment  to  write,  you  must  inquire  of  him 
about  the  meeting,  and  he  will  tell  you,  and  also  about 
the  prospects  here.  He  will  like  occasionally  to  go  with 
father  to  the  Bethel.  We  hope  there  have  been  some- 
where between  eighty  and  one  hundred  hopeful  conver- 
sions, and  the  work  is  now  increasing,  and  extending  to 
others  over  a  large  tract  of  country,  and  promises  to  be 


276  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

a  great  ingathering  of  the  harvest  of  precious  souls. 
I  had  intended  to  have  started  for  home  this 
morning,  but  such  is  the  state  of  things  here  that  we 
could  not  close,  and  am  holding  on  by  the  day.  A  dele- 
gation from  the  church  in  Malone  wishing  me  to  go  there. 
I  think  now  probably  I  shall  go  there  first,  then  to  Gouv- 
erneur  in  St.  Lawrence  county,  before  I  return  home,  to 
save  travel,  and  time  is  precious.  Remember  in  prayer. 
Love  to  all. 

Your  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


MOIRA,  January  2,  1846. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

I  have  only  a  moment  to  write,  and  don't  know  but 
the  stage  may  be  here  before  I  can  finish  this.  And  I 
can  only  just  have  time  to  say  that  such  is  the  state  of 
things  in  this  community,  that  it  seems  almost  impossible 
for  me  to  leave  this  section  of  country.  The  whole  re- 
gion is  on  the  move,  and  all  are  inquiring  what  these 
things  mean,  and  whereunto  will  they  come,  and  such  is 
the  state  of  things  that  I  have  concluded  to  go  from 
this  place  to  Malone,  which  is  thirteen  miles  still  further 
from  home.  They  sent  out  a  delegation  of  four  men 
the  other  day  after  me,  and  such  is  the  state  of  feeling 
that  I  have  thought  it  my  duty  to  go  there,  and  there- 
fore I  shall  not  be  home  for  a  few  weeks.  I  commence 
there  next  Tuesday  evening,  the  6th  inst,  the  Lord 
willing,  and    I  hope  I   shall  have  your   prayers  now    as 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  277 

well  as  all  of  the  others.  The  Lord  was  with  us  yester- 
day, and  it  was  one  of  the  happiest  New  Years  days 
that  this  community  have  ever  seen  here,  and  the  Lord 
brought  some  fifteen  or  twenty  souls  to  bow  at  the  foot 
of  the  cross,  and  this  week  has  been  a  glorious  one.  I 
cannot  say  how  many  have  been  hopefully  converted  to 
God  in  all,  but  somewhere  not  far  from  one  hundred  and 
twenty  or  one  hundred  and  thirty,  and  things  are  now 
ripe  for  a  mighty  shaking  among  the  dry  bones.  I  will 
write  more  particulars  from  Malone.  In  haste. 
As  ever  your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTEE  XXI. 


MEETINGS  AT  MALONE  AND  GOUVERNEUR. 


MALONE,  Jan.  20,   1846. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

jjjAOUR  long  looked  for  and  kind  letter  was  very 
thankfully  received  last  eve,  and  I  hasten  to  reply. 
•S^x.*  I  have  but  a  moment  to  say  a  word  as  I  must 
hasten  to  church  in  season  this  morning.  I  do  very 
much  regret  that  I  could  not  meet  the  Association  to- 
day. But  such  is  the  state  of  things  here  that  I  feel 
it  would  be  sin  against  God  for  me  to  leave.  The  work 
seems  to  be  getting  hold  of  a  class  of  persons  here,  that 
all  other  means  have  been  unable  to  reach,  and  the  whole 
affair  would  apparently  come  to  an  end  if  I  were  to  leave. 
The  whole  region  is  on  the  move.  The  work  of  God 
commenced  in  Moira,  has  spread  into  the  different  towns, 
and  many  have  turned  to  the  Lord.  In  the  towns  of 
Bangor,  Brandon,  Dickinson,  and  Bombay,  there  seems 
to  be  indications  of  good.  There  have  been  seventy- 
five  and  one  hundred  persons  forward  for  prayers  at  a 
time  here.  To-day  is  a  day  for  fasting  and  prayer  and 
humiliation  before  God.  Oh,  for  more  of  that  broken- 
heartedness  before  God  myself — I  do  hope  you  will  pray 

278 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  279 

for  me  much.  But  Christ  does  care  for  us,  and  "  his  own 
right  hand  will  well  sustain  the  children  of  His  love." 
And  to  study  to  be  like  the  Son  of  God  in  all  things  is 
my  great  desire;  Let  Matt.  5:11,  be  our  support.  It  is 
time  for  meeting  and  I  must  close.  May  the  God  of  peace 
rest  upon  you,  and  all  the  children,  and  the  whole  family. 
Love  to  Father  and  Mother  especially.  Write  often  if 
short.  I  want  to  hear  about  the  meeting.  There  have 
been  quite  a  number  of  hopeful  conversions.  To  God 
be  all  the  glory. 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Malone,  Feb.  13,  1846. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

Yours  was  very  thankfully  received.  I  have  but  little 
time  to  write.  You  are  aware  how  it  is.  My  room  is 
continually  thronged.  The  Lord  is  truly  in  our  midst. 
There  have  been  sometimes  one  hundred  and  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  forward  for  prayers  at  a  time.  The  most 
of  them  have  been  youth  of  the  first  families,  generally 
from  sixteen  to  twenty-two  or  three  years  of  age,  some 
quite  interesting  cases  indeed  there  are.  The  other 
churches  have  not  taken  much  interest  in  the  work  as  yet, 
though  a  few  there  are  who  have.  The  number  of  hope- 
ful conversions  I  cannot  say,  not  far  from  one  hundred. 
There  are  very  promising  young  men  among  them,  and 
sons  of  the  first  talent  in  the  county.  A  large  number 
of  clerks  in  the  stores  have  become  subjects  of  the  work. 
There  have  been  some  few  heads  of  families  brought  into 


280  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

the  kingdom,  and  some  ten  or  fifteen  family  altars  set  up. 
To  God,  be  all  the  glory  for  all  that  He  has  done.  Mr. 
Woodruff  their  minister  is  a  fine  man,  and  one  that  takes 
hold  in  every  place,  and  one  which  I  think  will  be  a  last- 
ing blessing  to  this  people.  I  was  carried  the  other  day 
to  the  poor  house  for  the  purpose  of  preaching  to  the 
paupers,  and  a  good  time  we  had  of  it.  There  are  three 
or  four  hopeful  conversions,  and  since  then  there  have 
been  some  three  or  four  more,  and  one  of  the  daughters 
of  the  keeper  of  the  poor  house.  Some  members  of  the 
factory  in  the  place  have  bowed  at  the  foot  of  the  cross; 
also,  quite  a  number  of  the  students  of  the  Academy. 
To  God  be  thanks  and  honor  given.  The  glory,  Lord,  is 
Thine.  Since  I  have  been  here  I  have  spent  one  Sabbath 
at  Moira,  and  administered  the  communion  to  the  church, 
and  twenty-two  were  received  into  the  church  fellowship; 
it  is  now  nearly  doubled,  probably  many  accessions  will 
be  made.  Yesterday  I  went  out  to  preach  the  funeral 
sermon  of  Mr.  Abiram  Lawrence,  brother  of  the  one 
with  whom  I  boarded.  It  was  a  consolation  to  me  that 
God  had  made  me  an  humble  instrument  of  leading  one 
soul  to  the  Lord,  whom  we  hope  will  praise  the  Lord 
through  the  ceaseless  ages  of  eternity.  If  there  is  noth- 
ing else  my  dear  wife  that  would  prompt  us  to  be  sepa- 
rated, will  not  the  thought  of  being  co-workers  with  the 
Savior  in  salvation,  and  seeing  friends  in  Christ  and  reign 
with  Him  in  glory.  Does  it  not  adequately  repay  for  all 
the  deprivations  which  we  are  called  upon  to  make?  I 
have  of  late  looked  much  at  the  object  of  our  life  here. 
It  is  to  get  men  and  women  to  heaven  to  honor  God, 
His  ob-  anc[  there  can  be  nothing  of  greater  worth,  nor 
life,      more  worthy  of  all   our  efforts.     The  Lord  will 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  281 

strengthen  and  bless  those  that  put  their  trust  in  Him — 
pray  that  the  Lord  will  raise  up  faithful  witnesses  in  all 
this    northern   region,    and    especially    here    in    Malone. 

Say  to  A her  two  last  have   been  received,  and  she 

improves   much.     I  wanted  her  to  answer  the  questions 

I  proposed  to  her.    E does  very  well ;  let  them  write 

often.    Tell  S to  be  a  good  child  and  love  her  Savior. 

Remember   me  affectionately  to  Aunt  W .     I  have 

had  an  earnest  caH  to  go  to  Clinton  County.  Pray  God 
to  direct. 

Affectionately,  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Malone,  Feb.   17,  1846. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Parents: 

Your  kind  letter  was  received  and  I  hasten  to  reply,  as 
I  know  you  feel  a  deep  interest  in  my  welfare  and  work. 
The  place  where  I  now  am  is  one  of  the  largest  places 
there  is  in  this  northern  region.  There  are  four  different 
church  edifices  in  this  village,  and  the  Universalists  meet 
in  the  court  house,  and  the  jail  is  under  them  (emblematic 
of  their  condition).  There  are  three  factories,  besides 
furnaces,  and  one  distillery!  It  is  a  place  of  considerable 
business.  They  have  an  academy,  and  other  schools.  It 
is  a  place  of  a  good  deal  of  refinement,  and  yet  there  is 
much  abomination,  and  much  opposition  to  true  princi- 
ples of  piety,  and  even  of  morality  Yet,  truth  is  mighty 
and  will  prevail.  There  has  been  quite  a  good  work 
wrought  here,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  hopeful  con- 
versions, and  some  very  interesting  cases  too,  mostly 
18 


282  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

among  the  young,  and  young  married  people,  and  a  few 
cases  of  those  past  middle  life.  I  shall  leave  here  on 
Monday,  if  the  Lord  will,  for  home,  and  spend  only  about 
a  week,  and  then  return  to  Gouverneur  to  spend  a  little 
time  in  that  contentious  place.  Since  I  have  been  here 
I  have  been  out  to  Moira  twice,  once  to  administer  the 
Lord's  supper,  when  twenty-two  united  with  that  little 
church;  and  then  I  went  out  to  preach  the  funeral  ser- 
mon of  Mr.  A.  L — ,  (Brother  of  the  Judge  at  Albany). 
He  was  a  subject  of  the  work  there,  fifty-five  years  of 
age.  He  lived  to  see  his  children  all  brought  into  the 
kingdom  of  Christ,  and  closed  up  his  career  of  Christian 
life,  and  entered  into  rest.  It  has  been  a  source  of  consola- 
tion to  me  that  God  should,  through  my  instrumentality, 
lead  him  to  repentance,  now  that  he  has  so  soon  removed 
him  from  the  family  circle  on  earth  to  the  family  above. 
It  is  the  Lord's  doings,  and  may  it  be  sanctified  to  the 
bereaved,  while  we  adore  the  riches  of  His  grace  and  give 
glory  to  the  Savior.  If  I  can  only  be  the  means  in  the 
hand  of  God,  of  leading  my  fellow  men  to  Jesus,  and 
then  see  them  rise  to  dwell  above,  and  praise  my  dear 
Redeemer,  it  is  all  I  ask.  And  let  me  have  the  true  spir- 
it of  my  master  who  came  to  seek  and  save  the  lost.  I 
know  that  I  am  unworthy  of  any  such  favors,  yet  I  do 
trust  that  Jesus  owns  me  for  His,  and  will  through  His 
abounding  grace  at  the  last  receive  my  soul  into  His  em- 
brace. Since  the  i  ith  of  November  I  have  preached  two 
sermons  a  day,  besides  all  the  other  talking  which  I  have 
had  to  do.  Except  mornings,  my  room  has  been  thronged 
with  anxious  ones.  I  get  little  time  for  writing.  Pray 
much  for  this  region,  and  for 

Your  unworthy  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  283 

GOUVERNEUR,  March  u,  1846. 
To  Orrin  Lawrence,  Esq.  : 

Dear  Brother  in  Christ ;  I  take  a  moment  to  redeem 
my  pledge  made  to  you  and  the  dear  family,  to  write  to 
you  after  I  had  been  at  my  home.  I  found  the  traveling 
quite  hard  after  I  left  your  kind  and  hospitable  roof,  and 
only  reached  Lawrenceville  that  evening.  In  Antwerp  I 
visited  several  afflicted  families.  I  arrived  home  on 
Thursday  noon,  safe  and  sound,  except  I  froze  one  cheek 
a  little,  and  the  end  of  my  nose.  I  found  my  family  in 
tolerable  health.  I  commenced  meeting  here  last  week 
on  Thursday  evening.  There  was  a  congregation  of 
about  one  hundred  out,  but  the  state  of  society  is  most 
wretched  and  miserable.  They  have  two  Congregational- 
ist  churches,  one  Baptist,  and  a  small  Methodist,  in  con- 
nection with  the  Academy.  The  First  church  will  have 
nothing  to  do  with  the  Second  church  (I  am  laboring 
with  the  Second  church).  The  First  church  would  not 
read  a  notice  of  the  meeting,  and  some  at  least  deter- 
mined not  to  do  anything  to  help  the  work  along.  I  am 
sorry,  for  they  stand  in  their  own  light,  and  will  bring 
darkness  upon  their  own  souls.  The  meetings  have  be- 
come as  interesting  as  I  could  expect  from  the  state  of 
things,  as  it  was  a  very  dead  time  in  all  the  churches 
here.  Some  of  all  the  churches  attend  the  meeting,  and 
are  active  in  taking  part  in  the  work.  The  house  has 
become  so  full  that  we  have  to  crowd  the  pulpit  stairs, 
and  an  increased  interest  seems  to  be  awaking  upon  the 
subject.  The  impenitent  appear  to  feel  considerable  for 
their  soul's  welfare.  I  do  pray  God  they  may  bow  hum- 
bly at  the  foot  of  the  cross.     It  is  very  painful  in  such  a 


284  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

state  of  society,  that  professed  friends  of  Christ  feel 
thus  toward  each  other.  But  perhaps  the  arm  of  the 
Lord  will  soften  their  hearts,  and  they  will  once  become 
like  the  Savior — they  will  love  one  another.  I  mean  to 
endeavor  to  do  all  in  my  power  to  reconcile  things,  and 
bring  them  to  a  happy  termination,  if  possible.  I  do 
earnestly  hope  you  will  all  remember  me  and  this  place  in 
your  prayers.  That  God  will  glorify  Himself  and  His 
Cause  by  pouring  His  spirit  upon  us  all.  That  His  people 
may  lie  humble  at  His  feet,  and  the  impenitent  may  yield 
to  the  sceptre  of  love.  I  have  often  to  think  of  the  hours 
spent  in  the  stone  house,  and  the  blessings  and  mercies 
from  heaven's  hands  which  were  poured  upon  us  there, 
and  while  I  regret  I  felt  no  more  for  souls,  yet  I  do  thank- 
God  that  He  ever  allowed  me  the  privilege  of  ever  coming 
under  your  roof.  Though  I  never  can  repay  you  for  all 
the  kindness  which  I  have  received  from  your  hands,  yet 
in  the  judgment,  I  trust,  when  Christ  shall  gather  up  His 
jewels,  you  will  be  rewarded  among  the  number  who  shall 
rise  to  praise  the  Savior  who  have  been  born  to  Christ 
in  that  west  room.  My  heart  does  swell  with  joy  now, 
at  the  remembrance  of  those  hours,  and  it  will  be  more 
joyful  in  full  realization  in  the  world  of  glory.  I  do  hope 
that  each  of  your  dear  family  may  be  among  the  blessed 
throng  at  that  last  great  day — I  hope  that  all  efforts  will 
be  made  to  keep  up  the  prayer  meetings,  and  the  regular 
appointments  of  the  church.  Remember  me  affection- 
ately to  your  own  dear  family,  together  with  all  the  be- 
loved friends.  And  may  God  smile  upon  you  all,  is  the 
prayer  of  your 

Brother  in  Christ, 

L.  A.  WTCKES. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  285 

March  6,  1846. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

I  will  commence  now  a  brief  journal  of  my  present 
meeting.  I  found  the  traveling  much  better  than  I  ex- 
pected, through  rather  hard  a  part  of  the  way.  I  called 
at  Brother  Stimsons;  met  a  few  friends;  had  a  season  of 
prayer,  and  on  I  came;  reached  G —  about  sunset,  and 
made  my  home  at  Brother  Pond's.  I  found  that  invita- 
tions had  been  given  to  all  the  other  churches  to  come  in 
and  co-operate.  They  were  read  by  the  Baptist  and  the 
Methodist  churches.  But  Mr.  B —  of  the  First  church 
refused  to  read  the  notice.  I  hear  that  they  think  Bro- 
ther P — -  insulted  them  by  giving  them  the  notice — so  you 
have  a  clue  to  their  feeling.  I  tried  to  preach  in  the  eve- 
ning from  Rom.  8:9,  last  clause.  There  were  some  one 
hundred  persons  out,  and  some  from  each  of  the  churches, 
several  even  from  the  First  church.  The  state  of  things 
here  is  very  dark.  My  own  soul  seems  hard.  A  severe 
headache  all  the  evening.  Yesterday  no  meeting  in  A. 
M.,  in  P.  M.  about  twenty  out  to  prayer  meeting,  and 
not  much  feeling  among  the  churches;  two  or  three  im- 
penitent in.  In  the  evening  they  had  an  oyster  supper.ball. 
Yet  about  as  many  in  as  the  evening  before,  and  some 
feeling,  and  my  health  better  than  the  day  before.  No 
meeting  this  morning,  and  must  go  and  call  upon  some 
families  of  my  old  acquaintance.  Oh,  how  much  we 
need  to  pray  and  labor  for  the  good  of  souls.  Evening, 
half-past  10.  To-day  there  have  been  some  more  in  at- 
tendance, and  some  more  feeling.  I  visited  Mr.  H's  fam- 
ily, saw  Mrs.  F.  there,  but  little  feeling  on  the  subject  of 
religion.  This  evening  saw  Mrs.  Fowler  and  Susan  (for- 
merly of  the  Oxbow),  they  were  at  the  meeting.     They 


280  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

now  reside  here;  they  were  very  urgent  I  should  call  upon 
them,  which  I  shall  do  the  first  opportunity.  I  saw  Mr. 
P.  Horr;  they  have  united  with  the  Baptist  church  again. 
This  evening  the  congregation  about  doubled,  and  a 
goodly  number  of  the  old  church  was  in.  I  do  pray  their 
hearts  may  all  be  subdued  and  made  humble  by  divine 
grace,  and  so  may  I  get  low  before  God.  But  I  must 
close  for  to-night.  The  first  week  of  spring  is  gone,  so 
time  passes  away,  and  hearts  of  stone  cannot  go  back. 
O,  may  I  improve  the  moments  as  they  pass.  To-mor- 
row's responsibilities  are  coming  on  apace.  O,  for  grace 
to  meet  them !  But  another  thought  is  in  my  heart. 
What  will  my  family  do?  How  will  they  spend  the  day 
of  the  Lord  ?  O,  for  a  change  on  the  Square  for  His  glory, 
may  God  clothe  us  all  for  His  honor  and  glory.  I  heard 
this  evening  that  Brother  B —  is  holding  a  protracted 
meeting  in  B.;  just  commenced;  nothing  special  at  pres- 
ent. May  the  Lord  protect  us  all,  while  we  lie  in  His 
arms. 

nth.  I  have  not  had  time  to  write  since  the  last 
date;  my  health  is  about  as  when  I  wrote,  though  at 
times  I  find  it  very  difficult  to  speak.  But  the  Lord's 
will  be  done.  The  meeting  has  become  more  interesting. 
A  larger  number  of  persons  in  attendance,  and  more  feel- 
ing. Last  Sabbath  the  house  was  crowded  full;  it  will 
seat  about  three  hundred  persons.  Truth  seemed  to 
take  hold.  I  presented  the  characters  of  Abraham  and 
Eli.  Monday  I  was  out  at  Richville,  and  saw  our  friends 
there.  Dea.  W.  has  come  out  there  to-day,  and  seems 
to  get  hold  upon  the  arm  of  the  Lord  in  some  measure. 
There  are  a  few  colored  people  here,  and  no  one  feels 
disgraced  in  having  them  sit   promiscuously  in  the  con- 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  287 

gregation.  The  church  here  have  some  very  strong  ones 
in  it.  Some  of  the  sisters  are  the  real  praying  ones, 
and  seem  to  lay  all  upon  the  Lord's  arm.  I  am  of  the 
opinion  that  if  Christians  do  not  take  hold,  they  will  see 
when  it  is  too  late  for  help.  I  have  just  called  upon 
some  of  the  old  church,  and  they  do  not  know  hardly 
what  to  do  or  say.  They  evidently  feel  that  they  are 
occupying  a  responsible  station,  and  the  blood  of  souls 
will  be  required  of  their  hands,  and  yet  they  have  taken 
and  sustained  so  high  ground  of  opposition  to  the  Sec- 
ond church,  that  it  is  hard  work  to  come  to  where  they 
ought  to  be.  But  they  are  about  full,  and  I  think  they 
will  be  soon  filled  with  their  own  way  and  that  will 
be  bad  enough  now,  I  assure  you.  There  is  a  large 
class  of  young  people  here  that  are  under  their  influence, 
and  they  are  ripening  very  fast  for  destruction. 

They  have  had  one  dance  since  I  have  been  here,  and 
this  evening  they  have  an  exhibition  at  the  Academy, 
and  the  whole  community  are  turned  out  to  see  and  hear 
the  boy  speak.  Our  congregation  was  only  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty  or  thirty,  as  nearly  all  the  young 
people  were  at  the  Academy ;  and  from  a  great  distance 
around,  they  are  just  returning  home,  now  fifteen  minutes 
to  eleven  at  night.  I  must  close  for  to-night,  as  my  room 
is  cold,  and  I  am  taking  cold.  Thursday  morning.  The 
Lord  has  protected  once  more,  and  the  mercies  of  God 
are  continually  with  me.  One  week  this  morning  I  left 
home  for  this  place.  How  rapid  time  does  fly!  God 
and  all  nature  are  on  the  march,  and  so  may  I  be  found. 
And  now  may  we  see  the  need  of  being  more  watchful 
than  ever,  of  lying  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  being 
more  like  Christ.     Let  not  the  world   nor  any  thing  find 


288  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

in  us  a  sordid  nature.  And  let  not  the  thought  of  a 
place  (an  earthly  home)*  be  to  you  any  but  a  help  to- 
wards heaven.  Let  us  not  provoke  God  to  depart  from 
us  by  our  forsaking  Him.  This  world  is  nothing  as  long 
as  we  rise  above  it,  all  is  well.  But  when  we  become  en- 
tangled in  it,  we  shall  be  sure  to  have  enough  of  it.  "For 
the  backslider  in  heart  shall  be  filled  with  his  own  ways." 
So  let  not  the  children  have  their  expectations  raised  on 
such  a  vain  show  of  things,  on  expectations  they  will  be 
all  joy  and  delight — For  their  hopes  may  soon  be  cut  off. 
I  can  very  easily  see  there  are  many  disadvantages 
which  will  arise  to  us.  The  opportunities  for  improve- 
ment may  be  small  there  to  what  it  will  be  in  other 
places.  And  so  also  there  as  to  church  privileges,  these 
two  will  be  greater  than  all  others.  I  may  be  taken 
away  in  a  little  time,  and  I  want  they  should  be  provided 
and  prepared  for  any  exigency.  My  great  anxiety  is  to 
know  what  God  will  have  me  to  do,  and  when  I  know 
that  I  know  He  will  help  me  through — Oh  may  my  feet 
be  directed  in  the  path  of  rectitude — Pray  much,  yea 
renewedly  before  God.  Love  to  all.  Remember  me  to 
Aunt  Waters,  and  tell  all  to  pray  for  this  place  and  for 
me.  May  the  Lord  direct  in  all  things. 
Your  Husband, 

L.  A.  YYICKES. 


Gouverneur,  March  21,  1846. 
My  Dear  and  Aefectionate  Wife: 

Yours  came  to  hand  last  eve.     The   meeting   is   get- 
ting quite  interesting  now.     There  have  been  somewhere 

*He  purchased  a  small  place  at  Stows  Square  to  which  his  family  was 
moving  when  this  was  written. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  289 

between  15  and  20  hopeful  conversions,  among  others  is 
S.  F.  The  other  churches  begin  to  come  in  a  little,  and 
several  conversions  in  connection  with  the  families  of  the 
Baptist  church.  They  see  that  the  Lord  is  evidently  in 
the  midst  of  us.  The  first  church  evidently  feels  that 
they  are  in  a  bad  predicament.  The  house  is  pretty  well 
filled  every  evening,  and  considering  all  things,  quite  well 
in  the  day  time.  Those  we  hope  who  have  given  up  all 
for  God,  appear  very  well,  and  are  quite  strong,  and  seem 
to  take  delight  in  the  cause  of  Christ.  And  there  have 
been  a  good  number  of  backsliders  brought  to  bow  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross  and  renew  their  covenant  to  the 
Lord.  There  is  much  opposition  from  the  wicked.  One 
brother  had  his  harness  cut  the  other  evening,  but  not  so 
as  to  prove  fatal,  as  he  found  it  out  before  he  started  for 
home.  Still  the  opposition  is  giving  away  to  truth. 
Last  evening  there  were  over  thirty  forward  for  prayers, 
and  they  seemed  to  feel  that  now  is  the  accepted  time. 
One  of  them  is  a  reclaimed  drunkard.  Now  pray  much 
that  God  would  overrule  this  work  in  the  salvation  of 
many  precious  souls,  and  to  His  own  honor  and  glory. 
The  cause  is  His.  May  we  be  His  willing  consecrated 
instrument,  just  what  He  wants  us  to  be.  When  I  shall 
be  at  home  I  cannot  say.  But  soon  as  consistent  with 
duty  to  God  and  His  cause.  Love  to  all.  Pray  much 
for  this  place  and  for  me. 

In  haste,  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


290  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

Gouverneur,  March  30,  1846. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

I  suppose  by  this  time  you  want  to  know  what  we 
are  doing.  I  write  so  many  letters  east,  west,  north 
and  south  that  I  cannot  tell  when  and  where  I  begin 
and  end,  and  so  I  have  forgotten  where  my  last  closed 
to  you.  But  for  a  few  days  the  Lord  has  been  with  us. 
There  have  been  between  thirty  and  forty  hopeful  con- 
versions. Several  heads  of  families  brought  to  bow  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross.  You  will  probably  remember  R. 
S.  of  this  place  (the  Abolitionist ).  He,  his  wife,  daughter 
and  son  have  all  come  over  on  the  Lord's  side.  I  have 
been  to  see  H.  W.,  he  is  in  poor  health.  I  am  afraid  he 
will  never  be  any  better.     He  has  been   out  to  meeting 

April  l.  once  or  twice  and  was  forward  for  prayers, 
and  had  some  feeling.  His  wife  is  a  fine  woman,  and 
feels  very  deeply  for  him,  prays  with  him,  seems  very 
anxious  about  him.  But  what  may  be  his  fate  I  cannot 
tell.  I  shall  probably  call  upon  him  in  the  morning. 
Last  night  the  house  was  jammed  full,  and  when  we  sent 
the  congregation  away,  requested  such  as  desired  prayer 
to  tarry,  there  were  seventy  or  eighty  came  forward,  and 
more  than  two-thirds  of  them  young  men,  and  some  of 
the  hardest  cases  there  are  in  the  place.  There  seems  a 
giving  away  of  the  prejudice  in  minds  of  the  old  church. 
But  they  have  a  most  dreadful  account  to  give  for  the 
awful  responsibility  they  are  exerting  on  the  minds  ol 
many  of  the  impenitent  whom  they  hold  under  their  own 
hand,  and  try  to  discourage  them  from  attending  meet- 
ings^ ^But  may  God  show  them  their  hearts.  But  I 
want  a  heart  to  be  more  like  Christ,  and  bear  all  things 
for  Jesus'  sake.     This  afternoon  there  were  six  or  seven 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  201 

we  hope  gave  up  all  for  Christ.  To  His  name  be  all  the 
glory,  and  the  honor  and  the  praise  for  all  the  wonders 
He  has  done.  The  Baptist  brethren  take  hold  some  and 
God  is  greatly  blessing  their  families.  Two  of  the  con- 
verts were  baptized  yesterday,  Monday  evening.  I 
preached  this  evening  from  Luke  15:  10,  and  the  Lord 
helped  me.  There  were  some  sixty  men  and  forty  wo- 
men forward  for  prayers,  and  a  deep  feeling  pervaded 
A  goodly  number  who  had  been  careless  submitted  to 
the  Lord.  A  young  lady  who  told  me  to-day  she  did 
not  wish  to  be  a  Christian  now  and  with  whom  I  had 
some  plain  talk,  to-night  came  forward  and  cried  aloud 
and  we  hope  for  mercy  (she  had  been  very  rude  and  vain), 
but  to-night  she  was  all  dissolved  in  tears  of  tenderness 
and  sorrow.  A  young  man  who  formerly  lived  in  Ant- 
werp, Mr.  I.,  gave  up  all  to  Christ  as  his  Savior;  two 
young  ladies  from  the  Quaker  settlement  have  been  re- 
claimed from  their  wanderings,  daughters  of  the  merchant 
S.  at  that  place.  They  appear  well.  I  find  it  is  no  small 
obstacle  in  the  way  that  they  have  to  come  to  the  Second 
church.  The  opposition  has  been  so  great  that  those 
who  do  come  have  to  be  fully  persuaded  in  all  their 
course,  and  so  makes  them  more  decided  than  ever.  It 
April  1."  -is  midnight,  I  must  retire.  April  1st.  I 
called  on  H.  W.,  his  health  is  very  poor,  we  had  a  season 
of  prayer  and  he  promised  the  Lord  he  would  do  his 
whole  duty.^  He  came  out  to  meeting  in  the  evening 
and  told  the  congregation  that  he  would  serve  God  and 
said  he  wanted  they  should  pray  for  him.  His  wife's 
twin  sisters  we  hope  have  given  up  their  hearts  to  God, 
and  prayed  with  us,  may  it  prove  a  genuine  work  ot 
grace,  and  they  show  themselves  to  be  the  true  followers 


292  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

of  Jesus  Christ.  Opposition  in  some  is  giving  away,  and 
the  work  is  spreading  over  the  town,  and  there  have  been 
some  very  interesting  cases  of  conversion.  Brethren 
April  2.  here  feel  like  getting  low  before  God.  April 
2nd.  Yesterday  and  last  evening  was  a  good  day,  several 
hopeful  conversions  and  quite  an  increase  of  feeling,  the 
house  is  crowded  so  that  we  have  to  make  seats.  I  can- 
not say  anything  about  how  many  conversions  there 
have  been.  But  there  is  much  to  be  done  yet.  H.  D. 
S.  opposes  the  meeting  very  much,  and  says  he  will  not 
own  any  thing  done  in  the  meeting.  But  if  the  Lord 
blesses  the  means  used  for  the  salvation  of  sinners  for 
whom  Christ  died,  to  His  name  we  will  ascribe  all  the 
glory,  and  be  thankful  that  He  can  use  us  as  instruments 
to  do  His  will.  The  appearance  of  things  here  is  such 
that  I  do  not  much  expect  to  get  away  immediately. 
Brother  Pond  and  family  join  in  sending  love  to  you. 
Pray  much  for  me  and  this  place. 

As  ever,  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


April  4,  1846. 
Dear  Wife  : 

The  stage  went  before  I  could  have  a  chance  to  mail 
my  letter,  and  so  I  say  a  word  or  two  more.  I  had  an 
interview  a  few  days  since  with  Rev.  Mr.  B.,  and  I  find 
him  to  be  a  most  unpleasant  and  disagreeable  opposer  to 
everything  good  that  does  not  come  to  his  standard. 
He  said  I  came  to  this  place  to  pull  myself  up  into  noto- 
riety by  taking  hold  of  the  skirts  of  his  coat !     Wonder- 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  293 

ful !  What  an  exalted  privilege  that  would  be  !  Poor 
man,  he  is  to  be  pitied  for  his  stupidity.  Oh,  for  a  soft 
and  tender  heart  towards  him.  When  he  got  penned 
up  and  could  not  say  more,  then  he  would  indulge  in  the 
outbursts  of  "fools,"  "ungentlemanly,"  etc.  He  is  in  trou- 
ble, I  cannot  but  think,  and  I  do  pray  God  that  he  may  see 
his  sin  and  repent  of  it.  His  church  begins  to  get  into 
the  work  of  the  Lord.  Yesterday  they  had  their  regular 
Friday  meeting,  and  those  who  had  been  in  attendance  on 
the  meeting  could  not  hold  on  any  longer,  and  broke 
over  their  bounds,  men  and  women,  and  he  found  him- 
self penned  up  in  rather  close  quarters.  I  know  "  God 
can  make  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  Him,"  etc.  I  have 
heard  from  Malone.  The  Lord  still  is  carrying  on  His 
work  there  gloriously,  Some  eighty  or  more  have  been 
examined  to  unite  with  the  church,  sixty  have  united. 
Pray  much.  Live  at  the  feet  of  Jesus.  Let  nothing  be 
done  through  strife  or  vain  glory.  I  want  my  dear  fam- 
ily to  enjoy  the  stated  means  of  grace.  What  is  an 
abode  on  earth  in  comparison  with  an  inheritance  in 
light  ?  I  must  close.  I  have  taken  a  severe  cold  and 
my  nights'  rest  is  broken  and  tedious.  But  all  is  right. 
Love  to  all. 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


An  extract. 

Gouverneur,    May  27,  1846. 
An  extract    from  an    account  of  the  work  of  grace 
in    Gouverneur,    dated   May  27th,    1846.      Taken    from 


294  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

the  Baptist    Register,   volume   23,    No.    17,    May  29th, 
1846. 

Such  was  the  situation  of  this  people.  In  a  church 
of  something  over  two  hundred  members,  there  were 
thought  to  be  but  few  family  altars  on  which  the  incense 
of  prayer  ascended  to  God.  Our  prayer  meeting  only 
had  a  name  to  live,  and  this  was  so  poorly  attended  that 
its  vitality  was  somewhat  called  into  question,  while 
few  frequented  the  public  worship  of  God  on  the  Lord's 
day. 

About  the  first  of  March  (the  time  we  commenced 
our  labors  here)  Mr.  Wickes  of  the  Congregational  order 
began  a  series  of  meetings  with  the  Second  Congrega- 
tional church  in  our  village.  Though  we  could  not  ap- 
probate all  his  course,  he  presented  much  gospel  truth, 
directed  the  sinner  to  Christ  as  the  only  ground  of  justi- 
fication, the  only  hope  of  salvation.  It  was  soon  ap- 
parent that  God  was  accompanying  the  truth  to  the 
hearts.  The  change  in  the  moral  aspect  of  things  is 
truly  astonishing.  Our  sanctuary  is  filled  to  overflow- 
ing. Our  prayer  meeting  and  lectures  are  nearly  every 
evening,  and  full,  solemn  and  interesting.  The  work  is 
still  progressing.  Such  was  the  instrumentality  that 
whatever  of  this  work  is  genuine  must  be  of  God.  To 
Him  be  all  the  praise  both  now  and  forever. 
Your  brother  in  Christ, 

J.  H.  WEBB. 


^ 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


MEETING    IN    OSWEGO. 


Oswego,  Jan.  20,  1847. 
My  Dear  Brother  : 

OD  willing,  I  mean  to  endeavor  to  prepare  the 
way  among  my  people.  I  mean,  I  hope  to 
preach  and  pray  and  labor  to  the  end  of  intro- 
ducing Zion's  King  emphatically  among  us.  We  have 
Letter  from  minis-  had  two  sermons  of  interest  within  two 
terin  that  place,  years,  but  not  at  all  commensurate  with 
our  necessities.  Many  are  perishing  in  sin  around, 
and  comparatively  but  little  is  doing  directly  for 
their  salvation.  I  write  you  to  advise  you  of  my 
wishes  and  plans,  and  to  ask  you  to  come  and 
spend  a  few  weeks  with  us,  commencing  about  the 
first  of  December.  Can  you  do  sol  This  is  an  im- 
portant field.  We  need  a  thorough  breaking  up.  I  wish 
to  calculate  in  God's  strength  for  a  siege  that  may 
result  in  the  capture  of  the  place.  I  need  your  assis- 
tance or  the  assistance  of  some  one  much,  and  my 
mind     for    some     time     has   been    turned    to    you.     In 

295 


296  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

God  alone  is  help.  But  we  must  show  our  belief  in 
that  doctrine  as  supposed  by  corresponding  labor. 
Write  me  soon.  And  if  it  be  the  Lord's  will,  may 
you  come  full  of  the  blessing  of  eternal  life. 

*    With   esteem  and  affection,    yours  truly, 

C.  JONES. 


Os\YE(;o,  Jan.   14,    1847, 
Little   Emma.     An  extract. 

In  a  letter  to  his  little  daughter  E.  gives  her  a 
short  history  of  his  journey  to  Oswego.  The  places 
at  which  he  called.  The  number  of  inhabitants.  The 
churches  he  passed.  The  persons  on  whom  he  called. 
His  arrival  at  Oswego,  was  welcomed  by  Mr.  J.  the 
minister.  Preached  that  evening  though  fatigued  and 
almost  sick.  About  two  hundred  and  fifty  persons  were 
present  at  meeting.  In  the  morning  took  a  walk,  found 
much  worldly  business,  a  village  of  six  thousand  in- 
habitants. Probably  many  wicked,  some  of  them 
at  least  And  a  great  many  things,  are  very  dis- 
couraging. Closes  by  praying  that  the  Lord  would 
bless  her  and  all  the  dear  ones  at  home.  That  all  may 
love  and  serve  the  Lord,  with  expressions  of  affection. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Oswego,  Jan.  14,  1847. 
To  Rev.  G.  Cross,  Dea.   White,  Walker,  Allen, 

AND   OTHERS: 

I  hasten   to  take  a  moment  to  drop   you  a  line.     I 
reached    home  the  night   I  left   Richville,  about  eleven  at 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  297 

night  after  a  tedious  and  lonely  ride  and  walk  (for  I 
found  considerable  bare  ground.)  It  was  lonely  for  I 
thought  much  of  those  dear  friends  whom  I  had  left  be- 
hind, and  the  hours  of  seven  and  nine,  I  could  almost  see 
them  bowing  around  the  altar  for  prayer,  and  spirits 
mingling  together.  I  took  an  addition  to  my  cold,  and 
was  about  sick,  but  could  not  be  still.  I  left  for  this 
place  on  Tuesday  morning  amidst  many  misgivings  of 
soul,  and  reached  here  last  evening  about  six  o'clock, 
and  found  things  in  a  most  wretched  and  disturbed 
state  in  the  church,  difficulty  between  members  and  min- 
ister; and  carried  so  far  that  they  have  thrown  up  a  re- 
quest before  the  presbytery  to  have  the  pastoral  relation 
dissolved.  Though  a  large  majority  of  the  church  have 
been  and  are  still  strongly  attached  to  their  minister,  and 
will  consent  to  no  such  dissolution.  But  such  is  the 
state  of  things  here  that  if  I  had  known  before  I  came 
what  I  know  now,  I  do  not  think  I  should  have  come. 
Perhaps  I  should  have  done  wrong.  And  even  now  I 
hardly  know  what  duty  is,  I  have  been  a  great  mind  to 
get  into  my  sleigh  and  leave.  But  it  rains,  and  the  roads 
are  nearly  bare  for  four  or  five  miles  out,  and  I  must  stay 
a  little  at  least.  Oh  how  I  need  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  It  is  an  important  field  of  labor,  and  much 
ought  to  be  done.  There  is  population  of  about  six 
thousand,  and  much  wickedness  is  to  be  found  here.  It 
may  be  God  will  regard  His  own  great  name  and  honor, 
and  many  may  be  led  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  do 
hope  you  will  most  earnestly  remember  me  and  this  peo- 
ple at  a  throne  of  grace,  and  especially  often  call  upon 
the  name  of  the  Lord  for  me.  Remember  the  hours  of 
seven  and  nine  in  the  evening.  Tell  all  to  pray.  I  do 
19 


298  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

not  forget  you.  I  do  love  to  bear  you  to  the  throne  of 
grace  that  God  will  help  and  sustain  you.  Say  to  those 
dear  young  converts  look  to  Christ  earnestly.  Seek  after 
duty  and  do  it,  and  joy  and  gladness  shall  be  yours. 
Time  fails  to  write  more  now.  Let  me  hear  from  you 
all.  Pray  for  me,  and  mine,  and  for  Oswego. 
Your  brother  in  Christ, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


OSWEGO,  January,  14,  1847. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

You  will  see  what  I  have  written  to  E.,  I  have  only 
time  to  add  that  I  find  things  in  a  very  bad  state  here 
indeed,  a  part  of  the  church  want  to  get  rid  of  their  min- 
ister, and  have  circulated  a  subscription  accordingly,  and 
the  whole  has  been  thrown  before  their  Presbytery  for 
their  decision,  some  do  not  like  brother  J.  because  he  takes 
his  stand  on  the  subject  of  abolition,  and  preaches  against 
all  the  popular  sins  of  the  day,  and  I  find  there  is  con- 
siderable commotion  about  him,  and  there  is  such  a  state 
that  if  I  had  known  about  it  before  I  came  I  think  I 
should  have  felt  it  was  my  duty  not  to  have  come,  at 
least  at  this  time.  Though  it  may  be  for  the  good  of  all. 
Yet  I  find  it  is  hard  to  get  the  minds  of  people  off  from 
their  old  and  besetting  sins.  The  morals  of  this  place 
are  dreadful  indeed,  and  nothing  but  the  power  of  God 
can  reach  the  ear  of  this  people.  And  I  find  after  so 
long  a  time  that  they  are  far  from  being  anywhere  ready 
or  prepared  to  take  hold  of  the  work  of  God,  or  even  to 
commence  meeting  in  the  day  time.  Do  pray  much  for 
this  people.     It   is  an   important  field  of  labor.     Much 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  2D9 

good  or  much  evil  must  follow  this  meeting,  and  let  us 
lie  humble  before  the  Lord.  It  may  be  God's  will  to 
think  upon  us,  and  He  will  give  us  His  salvation  and  con_ 
fer  life  upon  souls  here.  May  God  protect  us  all.  I  am 
very  comfortably  provided  here  as  to  room,  etc.,  but  I 
feel  poorly  prepared  for  the  work  before  me  in  soul  or 
body.  I  have  found  much  delight  and  consolation  in 
reading  the  forty-sixth  Psalm.  Oh  for  the  faith  which 
the  Psalmist  of  Israel  had.  Let  me  hear  from  you. 
Give  my  love  to  all.     Pray  much  for  me. 

As  ever  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


An  extract. 

OSWEGO,  February  ist,  1847. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

I  catch  a  moment  this  morning  to  drop  a  line  to  you. 
As  to  the  state  of  things  here.  They  are  worse  and 
worse.  I  find  that  they  had  assumed  a  very  bad  state 
before  I  got  here,  between  the  church,  or  a  part  of  them, 
and  their  minister.  And  one  party  says  "  if  we  don't 
have  a  revival  the  other  will  drive  our  minister  off,"  and 
the  other  says  if  they  do  we  shall  have  to  keep  him,  and 
the  motives  of  both  to  be  equally  wrong,  and  the  feeling 
wicked.  While  there  are  some  who  are  seeking  God's 
glory  and  honor.  And  they  had  a  case  of  discipline  of  a 
wicked  member,  and  just  got  through  with  it  as  I  got 
here  or  the  week  before.  It  was  a  presbytery  trial,  but 
some  of  the  presbytery  had  their  eyes  open,  and  presby- 
tery set  aside  the  whole  of  the  case,   and   the  brother  is 


300  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

restored,  and  the  church  has  to  go  over  the  matter  again. 
I  find  the  difficulties  in  the  church  are  such  that  it  is 
almost  impossible  to  bring  things  to  an  humble  and  cor- 
dial agreement  between  them,  some  say  this  meeting  was 
gotten  up  for  the  purpose  to  reinstate  their  minister  into 
the  good  favor  of  the  people,  and  that  if  they  come  in 
they  would  be  considered  as  sustaining  the  church  in 
their  course,  and  so  there  is  an  awful  pull-back.  I  shall 
wait  but  a  few  days  more  to  see  the  real  state  of  things, 
and  what  prospects  there  maybe  before  me.  It  is  meet- 
ing time  and  I  must  go.  Half  past  ten,  evening.  With 
the  various  reports  before  me  I  have  taken  two  different 
expressions  of  the  people  for  the  continuance  of  the  meet- 
ing, or  whether  they  would  have  one,  and  have  each  time 
had  a  decided  expression  of  the  people  in  favor  of  it.  I  have 
then  concluded  to  hold  on.  There  have  been  previous  to 
this,  somewhere  between  twelve  and  twenty  hopeful  con- 
versions and  quite  a  large  number  of  backsliders  reclaim- 
ed. I  thank  God  for  it.  To-night  there  were  about  forty 
forward  for  prayers.  Some  of  them  backsliders,  and  five 
or  six  professed  to  give  themselves  up  to  the  Lord. 
This  is  the  second  time  I  have  given  opportunity  to 
come  forward  for  prayers  in  the  church.  We  have  gen- 
erally resorted  to  the  basement  of  the  church  where  the 
meetings  are  held  during  the  day.  The  text  I  preached 
from  to-night  was  Prow  8  :  36.  Thus  in  the  midst  of  all 
our  discouragement  the  Lord  does  and  has  appeared  as 
our  helper  and  defense.  To  His  name  be  all  the  glory 
given,  for  His  hand  hath  done  the  work.  Still  the  church 
is  in  a  very  unpleasant  and  dead  state,  and  none  of  them 
feel  as  they  should  in  view  of  all  the  work  that  is  before 
them.     There  have  been  some  three  or  four  sailors  con- 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  301 

verted  we  hope.  I  believe  if  the  people  of  God  were 
where  they  ought  to  be,  there  would  be  a  great  break  up 
here  and  much  good  done,  might  be  seen  here  accomplish- 
ed. Tues.  afternoon.  I  would  just  say  to-day  has  been  a 
good  day,  and  there  seemed  to  be  much  brokenness  of 
heart  among  the  church,  and  others.  What  may  be  the 
final  result,  God  only  knows.  I  pray  it  may  be  for  the 
furtherance  of  His  cause,  Pray  much  for  me  and  for  this 
place,  and  that  "God  would  bring  order  out  of  confusion, 
light  out  of  darkness." 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


OSWEGO,  January  15,   1847. 

Dear  and  Honored  Parents: 

Half-past  nine,  just  returned  from  evening  meeting 
will  drop  you  a  line.  I  left  Richville,  St.  Lawrence 
County,  on  the  6th  instant.  We  had  a  good  and  glo- 
rious work.  It  was  as  hard  and  as  laborious  a  meet- 
ing as  I  have  ever  engaged  in.  We  had  but  little  good 
going,  and  the  mud  was  awful,  and  I  had  to  travel 
about  much  on  foot  to  get  around  at  all.  There  were 
some  as  interesting  cases  of  conversion  as  I  have  ever 
known  in  my  life,  and  as  clear  cases  of  conversion  as  I  ever 
knew  in  any  meeting  or  revival.  Among  them  were 
several  men  from  sixty  to  seventy-five  years  of  age.  One 
man  who  had  been  one  of  the  boldest  in  sin,  and  been 
trying  all  in  his  power  to  lead  others  astray  and  was 
rather  an  infidel,  was  in  such  distress,  and  yet  determined 
to  resist  the  spirit  of   God,    that  he  felt  there   was  no 


302  LIFE   AXD  LETTERS  OF 

mercy  for  him,  and  begged  of  Christians  to  pray  that  if 
there  was  no  mercy  for  him,  that  God  would  lay  him  in 
the  grave,  for  he  was  only  making  his  damnation  more 
dreadful  and  aggravating.  But  the  Lord,  we  trust,  did 
have  mercy  upon  him,  and  he  came  like  a  lamb  to  the  foot 
of  the  cross.  Many  were  so  cut  down  that  they  cried 
out  in  the  congregation,  "what  shall  I  do."-  There  was 
the  earnest  cry  for  mercy,  and  they  found  peace  and  hope 
in  believing  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  One  young  man 
rose  with  his  hands  over  his  face  and  cried  out  "what 
shall  I  do,  I  can  stand  it  no  longer."  We  hope  he  found 
Jesus  precious  to  his  soul.  Some  individuals  where  the 
cries  for  mercy  were  truly  heart  rending  only  for  their  stub- 
bornness in  not  being  willing  to  give  up,  until  it  seemed 
to  be  like  giving  up  of  the  ghost.  There  were  some- 
thing over  a  hundred  that  gave  pleasing  evidence  of  their 
being  the  Lord's.  To  His  name  be  all  the  glory  and  the 
honor,  for  His  hand  hath  gotten  the  victory.  I  will  praise 
Him  for  what  He  has  done.  My  soul  shall  magnify  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  I  feel  that  if  I  shorten  my  days 
let  me  die  laboring  for  the  souls  of  friends  and  for  whom 
Christ  died.  I  have  a  constant  cough,  and  I  sometimes 
think  that  I  am  on  the  last  days  of  my  life.  God  can 
sustain  me  even  yet.  I  reached  this  place  on  the  evening 
of  the  1 3th,  and  find  things  not  very  encouraging  to  work 
with  prospects  that  are  around  here.  It  is  an  im- 
portant field,  and  one  where  much  good  or  evil  may  be 
done  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  I  am  laboring  with  the 
Second  church,  Rev.  C.  J.  is  their  pastor,  and  reputed  to 
be  a  good  and  faithful  man.  I  feel  entirely  incompetent  to 
the  task  before  me,  my  only  hope  is  in  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
The  forty-sixth    Psalm  has  afforded  me  much  consola- 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  303 

tion,  yet  I  do  want  more  of  that  living  confidence  in  the 
Lord,  and  that  holy  reliance  on  His  eternal  hand.  I  think 
I  can  truly  say  "Prone  to  wander,  Lord,  I  feel  it."  Still 
to  His  dear  cross  I  would  cling  as  my  only  help  and  sup- 
port. I  do  earnestly  hope  that  you  will  remember  me  in 
your  prayers  and  this  place,  that  the  arm  of  the  Lord  will 
be  made  bare  for  salvation,  and  His  great  name  may  be 
honored.  I  came  into  this  place  with  a  determination 
not  to  have  it  known  that  I  had  any  connection  around 
here.  But  yesterday  after  meeting,  a  gentleman  asked 
me  if  I  had  any  connection  in  L.  (about  eighteen  miles 
from  here.),  I  told  him  I  supposed  I  had  some  distant 
connection.  He  wanted  to  know  if  Mr.  B.  was  a  relative 
of  mine.  I  told  him  he  was.  He  said  he  thought  he 
saw  a  family  resemblance,  and  that  he  had  often  heard 
Mr.  B.  speak  of  a  nephew  he  had  in  the  north,  etc.  And 
so  I  am  found  out.  I  may  be  here  some  three  or  four 
weeks,  and  I  may  be  here  but  a  short  time,  and  I  suppose 
they  don't  care  much  about  seeing  me.  And  mother 
taught  me  when  I  was  a  little  boy,  "always  to  let  my  ab- 
sence be  where  my  presence  is  not  wanted."  And  I  think 
it  is  time  when  I  am  a  big  boy.  Though  if  duty  to  the 
cause  of  my  Savior  calls  me,  then  I  shall  go. 

Remember  me  affectionately  to  all.     Let  me  hear  from 
you  soon.     May  I  ask  again,  pray  for  me. 
While  I  remain  still  your  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 

OswEdO,  Feb.  9,   1847. 
Dear  Parents: 

I  have  but  a  moment  to  write  this  evening.     I   have 
had  the  privilege  of  an  interview  with  Uncle  C,  and   he 


304  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

tells  me  he  expects  to  visit  A.  in  .a  few  days,  and  I 
thought  I  would  just  say  that  the  Lord  is  among  this 
people,  and  so  is  the  devil  in  all  his  might)-  strides, 
though  he  is  a  conquered  foe.  And  all  his  arm)-  will  be 
broken.  I  find  much  to  do  to  keep  my  own  heart  any 
where  near  right.  But  I  do  try  to  conquer  all.  I  think  I 
never  was  in  a  place  that  opposes  so  man)'  obstacles  to 
the  work  of  the  Lord  as  I  find  in  this  place — especially 
among  the  professed  followers  of  the  Lord  and  Saviour. 
There  are  a  great  many  who  are  very  serious  and  who 
seemingly,  are  near  the  kingdom  of  divine  grace  and 
regenerating  love,  but  not  strength  to  bring  forth.  There 
have  been  somewhere  about  fort)-  hopeful  conversions 
since  the  meeting  commenced  among  them,  and  back- 
sliders reclaimed,  and  several  sailors  and  boatmen,  and 
some  very  hard  and  obdurate  cases;  and  while  God  in 
His  infinite  mercy  is  visiting  this  place,  I  do  hope  you 
will  pray  for  me  and  for  this  people.  Uncle  C.  will  tell 
you  how  things  appeared  to  him,  and  what  he  saw  and 
heard  while  here.  I  received  a  letter  from  home.  They 
write  of  good  being  done  there.  It  is  somewhat  encour- 
aging, and  for  a  blessing  on  that  place  little  E.  writes  me 
that  she  hopes  she  has  given  her  heart  to  the  Lord,  and 
loves  to  pray  and  serve  the  Savior.  I  do  hope  and  pray 
she  ma)-  ever  be  the  humble  child  of  grace.  She  also 
mentions  the  conversion  of  some  five  or  six  others  in  the 
neighborhood,  but  not  in  connection  with  the  old  society. 
May  prayers  be  made  in  their  behalf. 

Let  me  hear  from  you  soon,  and  pray  for 

Your  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  305 

Oswego,  Feb.  15,  1847. 
My  Dear  Daughter: 

I  was  glad  to  get  a  letter  from  you.  I  am  very  glad 
you  have  told  me  about  the  meetings  which  you  have, 
and  of  your  mates  becoming  Christians.  And  you  say 
you  hope  you  have,  too.  I  want  you  to  tell  me  when 
you  became  a  Christian,  and  what  makes  you  think  you 
are  a  Christian,  and  all  about  it.  Tell  me  all  about  it  in 
your  next  letter.  And  love  the  Savior.  And  if  you 
want  to  be  a  happy  girl,  be  a  kind  and  affectionate  girl, 
and  try  to  be  useful,  then  you  can  be  happy,  and  such 
happiness  will  be  lasting  and  will  afford  you  joy  in 
the  last.  Since  I  wrote  you  there  has  been  a  coming  up 
to  the  help  of  the  Lord  in  this  place  among  the  professed 
followers  of  Christ,  though  not  all,  only  in  a  small  pro- 
portion. May  the  Lord  be  your  guide  and  protector 
while  life  shall  last,  and  lead  you  into  all  truth,  for  Jesus 
sake,  is  the  prayer  of 

Your  affectionate  father, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 
Love  to  all. 


Oswego,  Feb.  15,  1847. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

I  find  this  to  be  the  most  difficult  field  of  labor  that 
I  have  often  found  or  have  been  placed  in.  Taking  the 
minister  and  his  church,  together  with  the  state  of  soci- 
ety here  and  the  moral  training  which  has  been,  or  the 
no  training  at  all,  still  the  Lord  has  proved  our  deliverer. 
There  have  been  some  interesting  cases  of  conversions. 
Some  men  who  have  been  bold   in    sin  and   wrong,    and 


306  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

who  have  seemed  almost  to  defy  the  mighty  God,  yet 
the  Lord  has  brought  them  to  bow  at  His  feet.  There 
have  been  hopeful  conversions  to  the  number  of  about 
sixty;  but  what  is  that  in  the  midst  of  such  a  popula- 
tion. The  faith  of  God's  people  has  been  and  is  quite 
small,  and  if  it  was  not  for  the  thought  that  I  have 
friends  praying  for  me  far  away,  I  know  not  how  I  should 
possibly  get  along ;  I  should  soon  leave  here,  and  I  hope 
to  now  very  soon.  But  it  seems  as  though  the  work 
had  but  just  commenced  and  opposition  to  it  seems 
to  be  giving  away,  and  religion  to  be  the  chief  topic  of 
conversation  in  all  their  circles  and  conclaves.  I  do 
pray  that  the  Lord  will  turn  sinners  to  Himself  by  scores 
and  by  thousands.  (You  did  right  in  paying  that  tax,  but 
it  was  too  much.  But  you  know  the  Savior  paid  the 
tax  for  Himself  and  Peter,  though  it  was  wrongfully 
levied  on  Him.  Let  us  suffer  wrong  rather  than  to 
do  wrong,  and  evince  the  spirit  of  our  divine  Lord- 
And  that  we  may  have  a  conscience  void  of  offense 
toward  God  and  man.)  I  am  glad  to  hear  of  the  work 
of  the  Lord  among  the  people.  I  do  hope  they  will  let 
the  Lord  work  by  His  own  power  and  glory,  and  not 
trouble  Him  by  their  unbelief  and  isms. 

Uncle  C.  was  here  a  day  or  two  since  from  L., 
attended  a  meeting  and  preaching ;  said  to  a  friend  he 
had  got  amply  paid  for  all  his  stay,  and  went  away  with 
the  intention  of  trying  to  get  me  to  go  to  L.  and  hold  a 
meeting,  but  I  think  it  will  be  very  doubtful,  indeed, 
about  my  going  there,  though  the  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done.  I  must  go  to  the  ministers'  prayer  meeting  this 
morning,  and  I  must  close  for  the  present.  The  weather 
here  is  very  peculiar  and  changeable,  so  that  people  who 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  307 

are  predisposed  to  a  cough  are  very  much  exposed, 
indeed.  May  the  Lord  protect  our  little  family,  is  the 
prayer  of 

Your  affectionate  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Oswego,  March   i,  1847. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

I  received  yours  on  Saturday  last,  and  then  did  in- 
tend to  start  for  home  this  morning,  but  they  have  put 
another  slice  on  the  meeting,  and  one  that  keeps  me 
here  only  a  day  or  two,  and  perhaps  a  week,  so  I  hasten 
to  return  you  an  answer  immediately.  Yesterday  I 
preached  to  the  converts;  there  were  something  like 
ninety  of  them  seated  together,  and  the  most  of  them  are 
interesting  cases,  indeed.  There  are  several  heads  of  fam- 
ilies that  are  among  the  subjects  of  the  work,  and  quite  a 
goodly  number  of  family  altars  have  been  built  up;  and  old 
ones  are  rebuilt.  The  scene  which  was  before  the  people 
was  such  that  they  could  not  bear  to  stop  so,  and  begged 
me  to  stay  a  little  longer,  as  there  was  quite  a  deepening 
of  the  work  for  the  last  week,  and  some  quite  interesting 
cases  of  conversion.  May  the  Lord  still  smile  for  His 
great  name's  sake,  and  still  bring  many  more  to  bow  at 
His  feet.  I  have  heard  from  Richville;  the  work  of  the 
Lord  is  still  progressing  in  the  various  neighborhoods 
around  there.         *          "  * 


c^#=g|Gr^ii> 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


BIRTHDAY  LETTER,  1848. 


* 


)EING  the  thirty-ninth  anniversary  of  the  days  ot 
the  life  of  my  pilgrimage,  and  the  twenty-third 
year  of  my  hope  in  Christ,   and  the  sixteenth 

year  of  my  ministry,  fifteenth  year  of  my  married   life, 

and  the  fourteenth  of  my  being  a  father  ! 


Stows  Square,  December  8,  1848. 
Most  Honored  Parents: 

Yesterday  our  oldest  daughter  said,  to-morrow  pa 
will  write  to  grandpa.  I  ran  in  to  sister  Anna's  and  she 
said  brother  Albanians  will  be  looking  for  that  birth-day 
And  so  I  suppose  my  parents  will  look  for  a  letter.  But 
if  they  only  looked  upon  my  life  as  I  do,  they  would 
rather  it  would  be  hid  until  the  time  of  the  final  revela- 
tion of  all  things,  and  when,  too,  may  God  prepare  me  to 
give  up  my  account.  For  then  not  only  my  life  with  all 
its  acts  must  be  revealed,  but  all  the  motives  that  have 
actuated  me  will  be  known.  And  may  it  please  God 
that  I  may  know  them  now,  and  not  act  ignorant  of  all 
the  heart.  I  find  it  quite  a  trial  to  give  my  anniversary 
letter,  because  the  opening  of  a  door  to  that  disgusting 
thing  called  egotism  ( what  /  have  done ),  and  yet  also 
that  even  when  I  have  entered  and  feel  no  such  thing  in 
my  own  bosom,  yet  to  others  it  may  appear  very  much 

308 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  '.M)0 

so.  And  these  together  have  sometimes  induced  me 
almost  to  not  write  another  letter.  But  I  may  hope  in 
the  last  of  these  that  my  parents  will  pardon  me,  and 
they  will  use  a  little  of  that  charity  which  "covereth  a 
multitude  of  sins,"  and  will  reprove  and  point  out  to  me 
my  errors  and  all  my  wrongs,  for  I  find  often  that  when 
I  have  passed  by  in  review  I  find  myself  often  to  have 
been  in  the  fault,  and  yet  others  may  see  more  than  I 
can  or  do  at  least  see.  It  is  seldom  I  find  a  friend  that 
will  tell  me  my  faults.  While  my  enemies  are  sometimes 
uncharitable  and  cruel,  yet 

"Mine  enemy  is  oft  my  friend, 

Though  wrathful  and  severe; 
He  helps  to  perfect  that  great  end, 

For  which  I  linger  here." 

And  I  will  try  to  learn  from  all  and  improve  upon  all 
that  I  learn.  When  I  commenced  dating  this  letter  I 
was  astonished  to  see  how  fast  time  had  fled,  and  how 
old  I  was,  indeed  I  had  to  cipher  it  out  to  convince  my- 
self that  I  was  so  old,  and  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
thirty-nine  years  have  rolled  into  the  eternal  world,  and 
are  locked  up  among  those  things  which  were,  but  are 
past  and  gone.  And  truly  I  can  say  that  it  has  been  now 
"like  the  Indian's  arrow,"  not  only  that  life  has  gone  so 
fast,  but  that  each  of  the  events  in  that  date  so  long  ago 
did  take  place.  The  day  and  time  of  my  uniting  with 
the  church  at  first  I  did  not  recollect,  but  I  think  it  was 
in  the  fall  of  1826  but  am  not  certain.  It  was  a  day 
that  I  shall  probably  remember  until  eternity  shall  pass, 
stitt  the  date  I  had  forgotten.  The  events  of  the  year 
that  has  passed  are  nothing  unusual.  My  labors  have 
been  very  hard,  but  in  rather  a  new  manner  for  me.    You 


310  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

have  already  been  informed  that  I  have  preached  half  of 
the  time  in  Denmark  for  some  over  a  year.  I  went 
there  of  my  own  accord,  without  any  invitation  from 
them.  They  were  living  almost  without  hope  and  God 
in  the  world,  and  only  one  or  two  family  altars  in  the 
place.  No  meetings  of  any  kind.  The  Sabbath  was  a 
day  of  recreation  among  them,  and  for  miles  it  was  one 
vast  desolation.  They  had  had  a  house  that  was  built 
some  years  ago  for  a  church,  and  where  they  had  met 
for  worship.  This  had  now  been  sold  for  a  dairy  house.' 
and  there  was  no  place  to  meet  to  worship.  There  were 
a  few  females  who  felt  they  could  not  have  this  state  of 
things  remain.  I  finally  secured  an  old  academy  to 
preach  in,  but  when  the  Universalists  heard  I  was  com- 
ing they  offered  their  house  (for  they  have  one  there).  I 
preached  one  Sabbath  there,  and  then  there  was  no  more 
place  for  Jesus'  blessed  truth  to  be  spoken  there,  for  they 
would  want  the  house  themselves.  So  I  gave  notice 
that  I  could  have  the  old  academy,  which  was  hired  for 
a  select  school  by  an  impenitent  young  man,  and  but  few 
came,  still  I  continued  my  labors  on  during  the  winter, 
and  the  house  began  to  fill  up,  and  some  moving  among 
the  dry  bones.  But  directly  the  select  school  closed  and 
the  building  must  return  into  the  hands  of  the  owner,  and 
he  a  rumseller,  and  on  Sabbath  morning  as  I  was  about 
entering,  the  deacon  came  to  me  and  wanted  to  know  if 
I  was  coming  any  longer;  I  replied,  that  certainly  I  was. 
He  shook  his  head  and  said  he  was  sorry.  I  asked 
why.  He  answered  Mr.  B.  the  owner  of  the  Academy 
was  afraid  it  would  be  burned  and  he  had  concluded 
not  to  have  any  meetings  there,  and  if  I  only  gave 
notice    that  I    could    not  come   any  more  things    would 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  oil 

pass  off  very  well.  But  if  I  continued  to  come  and  there 
was  no  place  to  meet  in,  it  would  make  a  great  dis- 
turbance in  Denmark,  and  they  would  censure  him 
very  hard.  I  told  him  if  that  would  make  a  disturbance 
then  I  would  make  a  disturbance.  If  I  could  get  a 
barn  or  even  a  door  yard  to  preach  in  I  should  con- 
tinue to  preach.  Just  at  this  moment  an  impenitent 
man  came  up  and  ascertained  what  was  the  theme  of 
conversation,  and  he  said  I  will  go  and  see  if  I  cannot 
get  it,  and  soon  returned  with  an  affirmative  answer. 
I  then  continued  but  a  short  time  before  the  Lord 
moved  upon  the  impenitent  and  backsliders  to  start 
for  a  meeting  house.  The  old  Academy  became  so  full 
that  all  could  not  get  in.  The  church  is  now  about 
finished,  a  neat  tidy  house,  and  large  enough  to  accom- 
modate all.  And  I  have  labored  with  my  own  hands  to 
procure  bread  for  my  own  family,  while  I  have  been 
laboring  with  that  people  for  comparatively  noth- 
ing, while  I  have  refused  calls  where  I  could  have  had 
a  competent  salary,  and  only  because  I  knew  something 
must  be  done  for  them.  And  while  I  have  been  depriv- 
ing my  dear  family  of  many  of  the  comforts  of  life,  I 
trust  in  Jesus  I  have  been  giving  to  others  the  bread  of 
everlasting  life.  There  are  a  few  who  have  a  heart  to 
do  but  are  poor,  and  they  have  been  turning  their  hands 
to  do  all  in  their  power  to  get  a  house  of  worship. 
There  have  been  some  few  souls  that  have  heen  hope- 
fully brought  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  some  have 
died  in  the  triumph  of  faith.  To  God  be  all  the  glory 
and  the  praise.  A  part  of  my  time  I  have  been  preach- 
ing in  Champion  and  Carthage  where  God  has  seemed 
to  smile  in  a  measure.     In  all,  my  preaching,  lectures  on 


312  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

Temperance,  Anti  Slavery  etc.,  number  about  two 
hundred.  This  is  I  feel  rather  small  to  what  it 
should  be.  My  family  I  have  felt  were  calling  upon  me 
for  more  of  a  heavenly  frame,  and  yet  how  far  short  I 
come  from  doing  all  I  should.  I  do  feel  more  the  want 
of  more  converse  with  God.  Though  at  times  I  do 
have  some  blessed  seasons  of  communion  with  my 
Savior,  though  not  all  that  sweet  communion  as  in  some 
seasons  past.  Our  Heavenly  Father  knows  what  will 
be  for  our  good.  All  send  love.  Remember  me  to  all 
and  ever  pray  for    your   eldest  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Stows  Square,  1848. 
Dear  Brother  and  Sister: 

With  the  various  duties  of  life  and  their  constant 
calls,  I  find  myself  wafted  along  through  time  almost 
unperceived  by  me,  so  that  I  do  not  think  how  long  it  is 
since  I  wrote  until  I  take  a  march  backward,  and  truly 
it  has  gone,  "Swift  as  the  Indian's  arrow  flies"  and 
tarries  for  none,  and  to  improve  it  should  be  our  every 
duty.  I  find  that  every  day  brings  its  duties  with  it, 
and  to  defer  the  duties  for  another  only  makes  the 
work  of  to-morrow  more  abundant,  especially  in  the 
things  of  religion.  I  reason  that  if  God  spares  me  to 
see  the  opening  of  morning  dawn,  it  is  because  I  have 
a  work  to  do,  for  if  my  work  was  done  I  should  be 
called  away.  Then  my  duty  like  the  faithful  steward 
is  to  ask  what  that  duty  is,  and  inquire  with  an  in- 
tention of  doing  it.     We  had   better  not  know  His  will 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  1-513 

than  when  we  have  known  it  to  turn  away  in  negli- 
gence. Did  you  ever  reflect  on  the  beautiful  eulogy 
which  our  Savior  pronounced  on  those  who  obey  His 
laws  ?  I  think  it  one  of  the  most  beautiful  that  can 
be  found  (Matt  12:  50)  "  He  that  doeth  the  will  of  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven  the  same  is  My  brother, 
sister  and  mother."  How  great  is  the  honor  which 
He  has  put  upon  us  to  allow  us  that  exalted  station. 
And  how  much  greater  is  the  humility  which  He  has 
exercised  to  condescend  to  put  Himself  on  a  level  with 
us!  Still  how  sweet  the  expression.  How  full  of 
meaning,  of  heavenly  meaning.  To  be  allowed  to  call 
the  "Prince  of  glory"  brother.  To  be  admitted  into 
the  family  circle  of  the  God  of  glory.  To  be  inmates 
of  the  mansion  of  bliss.  Truly  may  it  be  said,  "  'Tis 
love  beyond  degree ".  But  let  us  not  forget  the  con- 
dition of  this  exalted  privilege :  "  To  do  the  will  of  my 
Father  which  is  in  Heaven  ".  He  tells  us  Ps.  40,  and 
Heb.  10,  his  own  character  was  to  do  the  will  of  God, 
and  not  only  to  do  the  will  of  God,  but  "  Delight ' 
to  do  it.  I  trust  dear  brother  and  sister  this  is  your 
delight.  For  unless  it  is  our  chief  delight  to  keep  His 
law  we  cannot  take  pleasure  in  those  who  do  thus 
keep  it.  And  yet  the  Christian  life  is  one  of  progress- 
iveness.  That  we  are  to  look  forward  unto  the  per- 
fect man  and  woman  in  Jesus  Christ.  And  that  we, 
like  the  Psalmist,  be  satisfied  when  we  awake  in  His 
likeness,  and  not  be  afraid  of  getting  to  be  too  holy, 
or  conquering  sin  too  much.  I  have  had  a  good 
many  thoughts  since  looking  at  your  likenesses,  they  are 
frail  things  but  still  they  may  remain  when  you  are 
gone,  and  this  is  probably  the  reason  you  had  them 
20 


314  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

taken.  Many  and  dear  arc  the  associations  of  life,  and 
when  friends  leave  us  it  is  not  the  image  that  is  the 
most  dear.  Nay  it  is  the  moral  character  which  is  the 
most  to  be  loved.  Yet  when  life  has  been  useful  and 
virtue  shown  in  all  its  beauty,  it  is  that  a  view  of  these 
features  ma)'  review  in  memory  the  whole  character. 
Then  how  important  that  we  live  a  life  of  usefulness, 
that  like  Abel  yet  may  speak.  Mary  (in  the  Gospels) 
left  no  delineation  of  her  features,  nor  the  color  of  her 
hair,  yet  how  sweet  does  the  record  of  her  devotion 
to  her  Saviour,  make  her  appear,  when  it  is  said  she 
wiped  His  feet  with  her  hair.  O  what  a  con- 
trast to  the  vain  pride  of  this  world.  May  the  Lord  grant 
that  we  ma)'  all  have  her  humble  spirit.  Write  soon 
and  let  us  know  all.  And  all  serve  God  so  that  we 
may  meet  in  glory  is  the  prayer  of  your  brother, 

LEWIS   A.   W. 

To  Mr.  T.  Lord  and  Jane  Lord. 


^( 


CHAPTER  XX1Y. 


MEETINGS    AT    BOONVILLE,    BROWNVILLE, 
LA  FARGEVILLE,  AND  LETTERS  TO 
PARENTS  AND    MOTHER  AF- 
TER FATHER'S  DEATH. 


BOON VILLE,  January  19,  1849. 
Dear  Brother  Cross: 

HAVE  only  a  moment  to  write  and  let  you 
know  my  whereabouts.  You  may  be  sur- 
prised to  find  that  I  am  here.  But  so  it  is, 
I  am  now  seated  in  your  brother  John's  house, 
where  God  has  made  bare  His  arm.  I  have  been 
here  a  little  over  two  weeks,  and  awful  dark  has  it 
been  in  this  place.  But  the  Lord  has  truly  made  His  ap- 
pearance among  us.  Last  Monday  your  brother  said  if 
I  would  go  some  three  miles  to  see  some  that  were  quite 
deeply  convicted  he  would  go  along  "  to  hold  the  horse 
for  me."  So  we  started.  We  found  that  four  young 
men  whom  we  had  prayed  for  the  evening  before  had 
gone  out  to  get  some  of  their  mates  and  comrades  to  go 
to  the  Lord  with  them.  We  called  at  one  or  two  houses, 
and  then  went  back  where  we  first  called,  some  six  im- 
penitent ones  who  were  cut  down  to  the  very  earth,  and 

315 


316  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

after  talking  a  little  while  we  bowed  in  prayer.  I  asked 
your  brother  to  begin  and  he  did  so,  and  the  Lord  helped, 
and  so  we  all  prayed,  and  salvation  came;  I  prayed  and 
all  followed  me,  and  it  was  a  feast;  all,  we  hope,  gave 
themselves  to  God.  There  have  been  somewhere  about 
thirty  souls  that  have  bowed  to  Christ.  Some  that  the 
first  night  that  I  was  here  were  engaged  in  the  ball-room, 
to-day  we  hope  have  given  all  to  Christ.  To  God  be  all 
the  glory  given,  and  the  honor.  The  minister,  Mr.  N.,  is 
a  young  man,  rather  poor  health,  but  a  willing  spirit. 
And  nearly  all  the  labor  comes  on  me.  I  should  be  glad 
to  meet  you  once  more  on  the  battle  ground.  The  meet- 
ing I  think  will  not  be  a  two-months  meeting.  But  yet 
we  cannot  say  how  long.  And  your  brother  says  that  you 
said  that  you  would  come  if  you  knew  when  they  had  a 
meeting.  Tell  the  dear  people  in  R.  to  pray  for  me  and  for 
this  place.  And  urge  daily  their  request  before  God.  The 
bell  has  rung  and  I  must  close.  Your  brother  and  fam- 
ily send  love.  Pray  that  God  will  direct  me  in  my  field 
of  labor.  Love  to  deacon  W.  and  all  the  rest  of  the 
friends.  And  remember  me  to  sister  Cross  and  the  chil- 
dren. 

As  ever  yours, 

L.  A.  WTCKES. 


BOONVILLE,  January  22,   1849. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife  : 

I  had  hoped  that  by  this  time  I  could  start  to  em- 
brace home  once  more.  But  such  is  the  state  of  things 
that  I  find  that  I  cannot,  and  I  know  not  when  I  can. 
The  Lord   is  truly  with  us.     While  there  is  a  good  deal 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  317 

of  feeling  and  a  few  have  come  to  Christ  in  the  village, 
among  which  are  L.  H.  and  A.  C,  and  some  twelve  or 
fifteen  more,'  the  most  are  out  of  the  village.  Nearly 
all  of  one  school  district  is  brought  to  bow  at  the  foot  of 
the  cross.  The  work  has  commenced  among  the  young 
men.  Last  evening  there  were  about  sixty  forward  for 
prayers.  And  most  of  them  hoped  they  had  given  all 
to  Christ.  Among  whom  are  several  school  teachers. 
To  God  be  all  the  glory.  Some  who  the  first  time  I  was 
here  were  in  the  ball  room,  are  now  seen  in  the  praying 
circle  calling  on  the  Lord.  But  there  is  a  most  powerful 
opposition.  And  there  is  a  disposition  to  run  into  infi- 
delity. I  have  to  do  nearly  all  the  labor  connected  with 
the  pulpit  and  much  out  of  it.  Brother  Northrop,  their 
minister,  complains  much  with  his  throat  and  is  quite  fee- 
ble a  part  of  the  time.  We  have  had  meetings  only  part 
of  the  day  and  evening,  and  I  do  not  know  as  I  can  get 
any  more.  I  am  afraid  that  they  are  so  covetous  that 
the}'  will  grieve  the  Spirit  away  from  them.  Some  of  the 
members  of  the  church  are  even  counting  how  much  it 
costs  them  every  daj-  to  go  to  meeting,  and  what  it  may 
cost  them  in  the  end.  Still  this  is  not  the  case  with  all. 
There  is  an  appearance  of  an  abundant  harvest.  And 
ma)r  God  grant  it  may  be  the  case  for  Jesus'  sake.  I  am 
rather  fearful  that  I  cannot  be  at  Denmark  next  Sabbath. 
I  shall  write  to  brother  Wait  to  supply  them  if  he  can 
and  I  will  come  as  soon  as  I  can.  I  feel  much  anxiety 
about  them,  and  hope  that  God  will  overrule  all  for  His 
glory  and  His  honor. 


318  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Tell  Emma  and  Sarah  to  be  good  children,  love  the 
Savior  and  do  not  forget  their  Bibles. 

How  does  Aurelia  do,  etc.  ?     Love  to  all. 
Pray  much  for  your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


BOONVILLE,  January  23d,  1849. 
My  Dear  Daughter: 

To  his  daughter  1  thought  you  would  like  to  know  what  we 
A.  E.  Wickes,  are  doing  here,  and  though  I  have  but  a  mo- 
attending  school  ment  to  write,  still  I  will  improve  the  moment, 
at  Denmark.  The  Lord  truly  is  in  the  midst  of  the  people, 
and  many  are  the  souls  that  hope  they  have  bowed  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross,  among  which  is  your  former 
friend  L.  H.  and  Mr.  C.'s  niece,  A.  The  Lord  has  most 
graciously  visited  the  whole  place  and  many  have  turned 
to  the  Lord.  There  are  several  that  at  the  first  night  of 
the  meeting  were  in  the  ball  room,  and  are  now  seen  bow- 
ing at  the  feet  of  the  Savior  asking  for  mercy  and  plead- 
ing for  sinners.  While  there  are  a  goodly  number  in  the 
village  that  hope  they  have  given  all  to  the  Savior,  the 
work  is  mostly  in  the  country  around.  Last  evening 
there  were  one  hundred  persons  forward  for  prayers  and 
more  than  twenty  spoke  and  hoped  that  they  had  given 
up  all  to  Christ,  and  the  work  seems  only  just  begun.  I 
have  wished  that  you  were  here,  but  such  is  not  the  case, 
and  we  must  be  at  the  disposal  of  our  heavenly  Father. 
I  hope,  my  dear  daughter,  that  you  do  not  forget  to  bow 
your  knee  to  your  Savior  all  the  time  and  look  to  Him  for 
help,  and  make   the   Savior  your  only  guide  and   help. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  319 

There  is  nothing'  I  desire  more  of  you  than  that  you 
make  the  life  of  the  Christian  your  great  aim,  and  while 
you  apply  your  mind  to  your  studies,  and  make  all  the  im- 
provement you  can,  I  hope  you  will  feel  that  all  must  be 
done  for  the  glory  of  God.  I  can  not  now  say  when  I 
may  be  home,  but  I  will  be  at  D.  as  soon  as  I  can.  I 
wish  you  would  let  me  know  all  that  is  doing  in  D.  Do 
they  have  good  congregations  in  the  church?  May  the 
Lord  be  your  constant  guide,  is  the  prayer  of 
Your  affectionate  father, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 
To  Aurelia  E.  Wicker. 


BOONVILLE,  Oneida  Co..  Jan.  31,  1849. 
Dear  Parent : 

You  perceive  by  this  that  I  am  sonic  twenty-five 
miles  nearer  you  than  I  have  been  before  for  some  time. 
I  have  been  for  about  four  weeks  holding  a  series  of 
meetings  with  this  church.  The  meetings  are  held  only 
afternoons  and  evenings.  There  have  been  some  one 
hundred  who  profess  hope  in  the  Savior's  love.  They 
are  from  eighty  years  old  down  to  ten  and  twelve  years. 
Let  us  ascribe  all  honor  and  glory  to  God,  who  alone  is 
worthy.  Their  minister  is  a  man  of  feeble  health,  and  is 
not  able  to  be  out  to  meeting  but  a  part  of  the  time,  and 
all  the  labor  nearly  comes  on  me.  With  a  bad  cold  and 
hoarseness  I  find  I  am  almost  used  up,  and  feel  some- 
what inclined  to  stop.  But  such  is  impossible,  while  the 
whole  region  is  on  the  move.  May  God  give  me  strength 
equal   to   the   labors   which   he  has  put  upon  me.     And 


320  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

pray    for  me   that   God    will   direct.      I   write    in  haste. 
Please  excuse  this  scribbling.     Love  to  all  inquiring. 
While  I  remain  your  son. 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


BOONVILLE,  February  6,   1849. 


My  Dear  Wife 


I  catch  a  moment  to  drop  you  a  line  and  let  you 
know  how  things  move  here.  I  did  intend  to  start  for 
home  yesterday,  but  such  was  the  state  of  feeling  that  it 
was  an  almost  unanimous  request  that  I  should  tarry 
longer.  I  preached  on  the  Sabbath  to  the  converts;  there 
were  over  one  hundred  seated  together,  and  were  of  all 
ages,  such  a  scene  as  Booneville  never  saw  before,  and  while 
they  saw  it  they  felt  they  could  not  for  a  moment  be 
satisfied  with  what  they  then  saw,  and  it  was  one  of  the 
most  painful  parts  of  it  that  others  should  be  left  behind, 
and  they  felt  they  would  do  all  in  their  power  to  advance 
the  cause.  I  then  concluded  to  stay  and  do  what  I 
could  for  the  cause  here.  The  church  has  not  taken 
hold  as  a  general  thing,  and  there  is  a  sure  help  only  in 
the  few.  Yesterday  there  was  quite  a  number  of  new 
cases,  and  this  afternoon  we  had  to  have  prayer  three 
times  at  closing  the  meeting,  and  there  were  some, 
we  trust,  brought  to  bow  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  To 
God  be  all  the  glory.  My  fear  is  now  that  I  cannot  be 
home  before  the  Sabbath,  and  what  will  poor  Denmark 
do?  If  I  can  come  I  shall,  and  do  what  I  can  to  get 
away  consistent  with  truth  and  duty,  and  it  will  only 
be  the   great    sense    of   duty    that    will    keep  me    here 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  321 

Pray  that  God  will  direct  me  for  His  holy  name's  sake 
and  I  will  cheerfully  obey.  I  do  not  know  of  any  one 
that  I  can  get  to  supply  my  place  in  Denmark  if  I  do 
not  come.  Tell  all  to  pray  much.  The  bell  is  ringing. 
I  must  close.     Love  to  all.     In  love  and  haste, 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


BOONVILLE,    Feb.    [8,    1849. 

My  Dear  Wife: 

You  see  I  am  up  at  this  late  hour,  half-past  eleven 
o'clock,  to  redeem  my  promise.  To-night  there  has  been 
a  general  move  among  many  who  have  before  stood  aloof 
and  opposed,  and  it  has  taken  hold  of  the  village  people. 
There  were  some  thirty-six  entire  new  cases  forward  for 
prayers,  and  one  lawyer.  The  village  school  teacher 
(one  of  the  ball  characters),  one  fancy  painter,  and  one 
tailor  (ball  character),  hoped  they  gave  ja.ll  to  Christ  to- 
night, with  some  others.  And  the  prospect  is  now  that 
I  shall  not  be  able  to  be  at  home  in  season  to  attend  that 
wedding,  and  must  very  reluctantly  give  it  up.*  Perhaps 
I  may  be  at  home  in  season,  but  they  had  best  not  de- 
pend on  me,  for  I  might  entirely  disappoint  them.  You 
see  how  I  am  placed  now.  And  let  me  ask  you  to  pray 
much  for  me  that  God  would  lead  me  into   the   path   of 

*  This  was  an  answer  to  a  request  to  attend  a  wedding  on  the 
2 1st,  in  1).,  who  would  feel  very  much  disappointed  not  to  have  him 
perform  the  ceremony.  When  the  request  the  day  previous  came 
there  had  then  nothing  very  special  taken  place,  though  there  was 
some  moving  out  around  the  village.  lie  felt  he  needed  unerring 
wisdom  to  return  a  negative  answer. 


322  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

duty  and  of  God.  Oh,  how  I  need  His  Holy  Spirit  to 
guide  me  in  the  path  of  right,  and  to  fill  my  soul  with 
His  spirit.     Give  my  love  to  all. 

Affectionately, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Boonville,  March  2,  1849. 
Dear  Wife  : 

Do  you  think  I  am  never  coming  home  ?  I  have 
been  on  the  eve  of  starting  every  day  this  week,  and 
every  day  new  obstacles  seem  to  oppose  themselves  in 
new  cases  of  conviction  and  conversions,  so  that  nearly 
all  opposition  is  done  with,  and  some  of  the  most  stub- 
born and  hardened  cases  have  yielded  and  turned  from 
hatred  to  love  of  the  Saviour.  The  work  is  now  going 
right  through  the  village.  Several  of  those  who  were 
engaged  in  the  ball  have  been  led  to  Jesus  the  crucified 
Savior.  You  would  rejoice  to  be  here  and  participate 
in  the  work  of  the  blessed  Lord.  How  long  I  shall  stay 
I  cannot  say,  but  I  am  now  inclined  to  say  I  shall  be  at 
home  on  Monday  or  Tuesday  of  next  week,  at  the 
farthest.  My  voice  is  almost  as  poor  as  it  has  been  at 
any  time  in  my  previous  labors.  I  have  had  all  the 
preaching  to  do  as  yet,  though  they  promised  me 
if  I  would  stay  they  would  take  hold  and  preach? 
still  they  are  not  able  to  do  much;  a  weak  set 
as  to  body.  Some  fifty  or  sixty  conversions  since 
I  returned,  and  I  do  not  know  when  I  have 
held  a  meeting  so  long  and  the  interest  continue  to  rise 
as  now.     The  lower  part  of  the  church  is  crowded  every 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  323 

night,  and  about  three-quarters  full  in  the  daytime.  To 
God  be  all  the  glory  and  praise  for  what  He  hath  done. 
I  am  anxious  to  do  what  I  can  and  get  home,  still  I 
know  God  will  take  care  of  us.  Rut  I  must  close  and  go 
March  3.  out  a  visiting.  I  must  be  constantly  on  the  go. 
As  I  commenced  the  meeting  by  visiting  the  fore  part  of 
the  day,  all  think  I  must  do  it,  and  it  is  harder  for  me  than 
having  three  meetings  a  day.  Perhaps  I  may  have  time 
to  add  more  before  the  mail  goes  out  and  will  not  close 
it  yet. 

3d.  I  was  so  constantly  engaged  that  I  had  not 
time  to  mail  this,  and  there  being  no  meeting  to-night  I 
will  write  you  a  few  lines  more.  The  Lord  is  still  among 
us.  There  have  been  a  number  of  hopeful  conversions 
to-day,  one  an  awful  profane,  swearing  infidel.  He 
was  truly  made  to  tremble  before  God.  To  God  be 
all  the  glory,  the  praise  and  honor.  On  the  22d  of  Feb- 
ruary I  gave  an  address  to  the  Washingtonian  Society 
and  got  almost  a  hundred  signers  to  the  pledge.  But  I 
must  close.  Pray  much  for  us.  Tell  the  little  children 
to  be  kind.     Love  to  all. 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Meeting  at  Brownville,  commencing  April  11,  1849. 
— Mr.  Wickes  had  had  a  call  to  go  to  Brownville. 
On  his  way  thither  he  arrived  at  Watertown,  where 
An  Extract,  he  found  his  dear  old  friend,  Prof.  Whitford, 
lying  at  the  point  of  death.  A  council  of  physicians 
had  been  called,  who  said  he  could  not  live  twenty-four 


324  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

hours.  The  afflicted  family  urged  Mr.  Wickes  to  remain 
with  them  through  the  trying  ordeal. ;  he  accordingly 
rode  to  B.  and  filled  his  evening  appointment,  and 
returned  to  his  suffering  friends  after  the  service,  the  dis- 
tance being  about  six  miles.  Prof.  W.  passed  away  the 
next  morning  about  seven  o'clock,  leaving  the  wife  and 
only  remaining  daughter  very  sad  and  lonely,  as  a  short 
time  previous  they  had  buried  their  only  son  and  brother. 
Mr.  Wickes  was  requested  to  preach  the  funeral  sermon 
upon  the  next  day,  which  was  the  Sabbath.  It  was  a 
peculiarly  trying  place  for  him.  He  went  back  to  Brown- 
ville  and  preached  in  the  afternoon  and  evening.  Some 
feeling  was  manifested ;  two  arose  for  prayers,  and 
one  individual  arose  and  confessed.  He  preached 
again  Sabbath  morning  and  in  the  afternoon  attended 
the  funeral  and  preached:  "The  Lord  helping  him,"  from 
I  Thess.  4:  14,  Revs.  Brayton  and  Snyder  in  the  pulpit 
assisting  him.  A  large  assembly  were  present.  In  the 
evening  he  again  returned  and  preached  in  B.  Some 
interest  was  manifested,  but  not  as  much  as  he  had  ex- 
pected, and  there  were  some  disheartening  occurrences 
followed.  A  ball  was  gotten  up  among  other  obstacles. 
"That,  you  know,"  he  wrote  to  his  wife,  "is  necessary  in 
these  days  to  the  opening  of  a  revival  of  religion  (J.  e.)  if 
we  judge  from  other  places." 

The  following  extracts  from  a  letter  tell  a  little  more 
of  the  results  of  the  meeting. 

Brown ville,  May  4,  1849. 

Dear  Brother  and  Sister  Cross: 

For  more  than  a  week  I  have  been  trying  to  get  a 
place  to  write  you  a  few  lines.     But  I  found  it  impossi- 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  3lJ5 

ble.  It  was  either  some  one  sending  for  me  to  visit  the 
sinner,  or  else  some  one  calling  to  converse  with  me,  and 
to  know  what  they  should  do  to  be  saved.  And  talking 
and  praying  all  the  time  until  ten  and  eleven  o'clock  at 
night,  and  then  I  was  too  much  fatigued  to  write  to  any 
one.  *  *  * 

There  had  been  a  meeting  held  here  evenings  for  some 
six  weeks  before  I  came  here,  though  I  found  things  in  a 
much  less  interesting  state  than  I  expected.  There  had 
been  some  few  conversions,  and  the  church  had  been 
made  more  faithful,  and  difficulties  had  been  settled,  and 
brethren  were  made  to  be  faithful  with  each  other. 
There  have  been  quite  a  goodly  number  of  conversions, 
and  many  backsliders  reclaimed,  and  the  work  seems  to 
be  increasing  and  deepening  all  the  time.  There  have 
been  some  quite  interesting  cases  of  conversion.  To  God 
be  all  the  glory.  "  *  *  But  I  must  break  off  and  go 
and  see  some  anxious  sinners;  may  the  Lord  have  mercy 
on  them. 

Saturday,  5th.  I  catch  my  pen  a  moment  more  be- 
fore I  have  any  calls.  The  Lord  was  truly  in  our  midst 
yesterday  and  last  evening.  Truly  God  was  in  our 
midst.  There  was  among  others,  one  of  the  ring  leaders 
in  balls  and  parties  brought  to  bow  at  the  foot  of  the 
cross,  with  an  humble  confession,  all  broken  and  bathed 
in  tears.  I  do  hope  to  see  much  done  in  the  cause  of 
Jesus  still  in  this  place. 

Pray  for  us  that  God  may  be  our  director  and  that  we 
may  be  His  willing  subjects,  for  His  great  name's  sake. 
You  have  probably  heard  of  the  death  both  of  Mr. 
Whitford  and  of  his  son.  The  first  Sabbath  that  I  was 
here  I  had  to  go  to  Watertown  to  preach  his  funeral  ser- 


32()  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

mon.  Thus  father  and  son  have  both  been  taken  awayt 
and  truly  they  are  an  afflicted  family.  Truly,  how  pe- 
culiar are  the  dealings  of  God,  and  "  His  ways  past  find- 
ing out."     I  pray  God  it  may  be  blessed  to  all  of  us. 

Tell  Nettie  to  love  and  serve  the  Lord.  Be  more  like 
the  Saviour;  and  Delia  to  live  for  Jesus,  and  God  shall 
be  her  helper  in  every  place.  Johnny,  be  a  good  boy  and 
make  father  and  mother  happy.  But  other  duties  call 
and  I  must  close  this  hasty  scribbled  sheet.  Remember 
me  affectionately  to  all  the  dear  friends  in  B.  Let  me 
hear  from  you  soon. 

With  Christian  love  I  am  your  brother  in  Christ, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


La  FARGEVILLE,  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  ) 
November  19,  1849.       ) 

Dearest  Mother  : 

I  have  just  heard  from  home,  informing  me  that 
father  has  gone  to  the  salt  water  for  his  health.  I  have 
wanted  to  hear  from  you  very  much,  in  your  loneliness, 
and  it  must  be  a  trial  to  you,  his  absence  and  his  ill 
health,  to  have  all  this  upon  your  heart.  Still,  dear  mo- 
ther, God  has  carried  you  through  trials  and  borne  you  up 
when  no  arm  but  His  could  sustain  you.  We  would  be 
resigned  to  the  will  of  the  Lord.  Yet  affections  still 
cling  around  those  we  love.  But,  in  the  midst  of  all, 
there  is  a  sweet  consolation  in  the  thought  that  Jesus 
will  do  all  things,  right.  I  have  been  here  only  about 
three  weeks,  and  preached  ever}'  day.  When  I  came 
here  everything  was  then  most  forbidding,  that  there 
could  be  apparently.     But  the  Lord  has  appeared  for  our 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  327 

help,  some  thirty  or  forty  hopeful  conversions,  and  all  of 
them  appear  quite  well.  There  were  about  eighty  for- 
ward for  prayers  last  evening.  Quite  a  number  of  heads 
of  families  have  been  among  the  number  of  hopeful  con- 
verts. To  God  be  all  the  glory  for  His  hand  hath  done 
the  great  work.  Remember  me  to  C.  and  F.  I  wish  F. 
was  here,  I  think  she  would  love  to  see  the  work  of  God, 
and  be  a  sharer  in  it.     In  haste  but  in  much  love. 

Your  Son. 

L.  A  WICKES. 


La  FARGEVILLE,  Dec.  4.  1849. 
My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Wife: 

Things  here  have  been  quite  encouraging  for  a  few 
days.  Last  week  was  a  very  hard  week,  although  there 
were  some  all  the  time  coming  to  Christ,  yet  the  work 
was  up  hill.  Their  temperance  meeting  was  very  bad 
business,  and  very  much  diverted  the  mind.  There  was 
such  a  bad  spirit,  etc.  And  things  have  all  the  time 
been  hauled  up  to  keep  the  mind  diverted.  There  have 
been  somewhere  between  eighty  and  one  hundred  hopeful 
conversions.  To  God  be  all  the  glory  given.  I  have 
been  quite  at  a  loss  what  I  should  do  or  when  to  leave. 
But  have  concluded  to  go  to  Depauville  to-morrow,  and 
am  in  hopes  that  my  stay  will  be  short.  Depauville  is 
about  seven  miles  from  here,  and  the  prospects  are  rather 
favorable,  though  I  know  we  cannot  possibly  tell  what 
may  be.  I  do  not  anticipate  anything  without  the  bless- 
ing of  the  Lord.  May  God  direct  me  what  to  do  for  His 
name's  sake.     Let  us  watch  and  pray  and  live  for  heaven 


328  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

and  for  Jesus.  So  that  we  may  have  His  favor.  And 
"His  favor  is  better  than  life."  Dear  wife,  if  God  can 
make  us  the  instruments  of  bringing  souls  into  the  king- 
dom of  Christ, let  us  indeed  feel  that  we  will  rather  suffer 
the  privations  of  this  life,  for  God  will  hold  us  up,  "  He 
will  never  leave  nor  forsake  those  that  put  their  trust  in 
Him."     Write  immediately. 

Your  husband, 

I..  A.  WICKES. 


December  4,   1849. 
Dear  Sister  E.: 

I  wrote  to  daughter  A.  from  here  a  few  days  since. 
Since  which  the  Lord  has  greatly  appeared  for  our  help, 
and  many  souls  have  been  brought  to  bow  at  the  foot  of 
the  cross.  Last  evening  there  were  about  eighty  for- 
ward for  prayers,  and  there  are  some  thirty  or  forty  that 
hope  in  the  Lord.  And  you  would  have  seen,  if  here, 
a  most  melting  time.  At  my  room  after  the  noon  meet- 
ing, there  were  ten  young  ladies  that  came  to  converse 
with  me.  We  bowed  in  prayer  and  had  been  on  our 
knees  but  a  short  time  before  there  was  a  room  full  cry- 
ing out  for  mercy  all  around.  Some  of  the  most  hopeless 
cases  to  human  view  that  were  in  the  community.  There 
are  several  heads  of  families  that  have  bowed  at  the 
foot  of  the  cross,  and  the  work  seems  only  to  have 
just  commenced.  And  it  seems  impossible  for  me  to  get 
away.  To  God  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor  for  His 
ereat  name  has  done  all.     No  human  arm   could   do  the 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  M^JI 

work  that  has  been  accomplished,  and  seems  to  be  doing. 
Oh,  how  good  it  is  to  be  allowed  to  work  for  the  Lord, 
and  see  souls  brought  into  the  fold  of  Jesus.  We  have 
just  heard  from  father,  he  has  gone  to  the  sea  shore  for 
his  health,  but  it  is  poorer  since  he  left  home.  I  fear  for 
the  result.  Pray  much,  may  the  Lord  be  our  guide  and 
all.  I  must  close.  Don't  fail  to  write  immediately.  In 
haste. 

As  ever,  your  brother, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Dec.  4,  1849.  In  an  extract  from  another  letter  of  the 
same  date,  he  writes,  the  state  of  religion  is  very  encour- 
aging. I  now  board  with  a  Brother  L.,  formerly  from 
L.  He  had  built  him  a  new  house,  and  the  young  peo- 
ple had  been  making  their  calculations  to  have  a  house 
warming.  But  they  had  a  different  one  from  what  they 
expected.  I  commenced  praying  with  two  young  ladies 
that  came  here  to  see  me  about  their  souls'  salvation. 
Before  we  got  off  our  knees  there  was  a  whole  circle  for 
prayer  around  the  room,  and  indeed  more  than  could  get 
into  the  room,  and  they  were  the  very  ones  who  were 
desirous  of  having  a  house  warming.  And  four  souls 
hoped  they  gave  up  all  to  God.  And  as  one  young  man 
expressed  it,  we  have  had  a  "heart  warming"  instead  of 
house  warming.  And  the  work  seems  only  to  have 
begun.  Some  who  have  not  been  to  meeting  for 
years  have  been  brought  to  love  and  honor  the  Savior 
who  died  to  redeem  their  souls  from  the  pit  of  woe.  To 
God  be  all  the  glory  given.     I  want  more  of  His  presence 


330  LIFE    A.ND   LETTERS  OF 

and  spirit,  to  lead  me   in    the   path   of  duty.     May  the 
Lord  direct.     Pray  much  for  me.     Love  to  the  children. 

Your  husband, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


La  FARGEVILLE,  Dec.  8,  1849. 

Being  the  fortieth  anniversary  of  my  life,  by  the  grace 
and  mercy  of  God  to  me  a  sinner,  through  Jesus  Christ 
my  Lord. 

Dear  and  Respected  Parents: 
Last  Birth-  I  am  so  situated  to-day  that  I  have  but 
day  letter  a  short  time  to  write  to  you  on  this  my  anni- 
Dec  8, 1849.  versary.  Yet  I  will  pen  a  few  lines  to  meet 
your  expectations.  Is  it  possible  that  I  am  an  old  man 
forty  years  old?  I  used  to  think  a  man  of  that  age  was 
an  -old  man,  but  now  I  have  got  there  I  scarcely  know 
where  to  put  myself.  But  I  am  just  what  I  am,  and 
that  too  by  the  grace  of  God,  and  may  be  called  a  sin- 
ner saved  by  grace.  And  I  pray  may  my  remaining  days 
be  all  for  the  glory  and  honor  of  God.  I  have  kept  you 
advised  of  all  the  events  of  the  year  so  much  that  I  have 
not  much  to  pen  to  you.  I  have  not  all  my  memoran- 
dum with  me,  so  that  I  cannot  state  the  particulars  of 
the  past  year  fully.  I  have  only  preached  some  three  hun- 
dred and  eighty  sermons,  attended  some  one  hundred 
and  fifty  inquiry  meetings  and  visited  I  know  not  how 
man}-  families.  There  have  been  only  some  three  hun- 
dred hopeful  conversions  and  backsliders  reclaimed.  This 
is  a  small  number  I  feel   indeed,  and  a  poor  report   this. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  331 

Yet  I  do  feel  that  God  has  in  His  mercy  been  my  helper 
and  my  all.  His  hand  has  done  the  work,  and  to  His 
name  be  all  the  glory  and  the  honor.  He  shall  be  praised 
for  all  His  mighty  works  among  the  children  of  men. 

1  sometimes  think  on  account  of  my  hoarseness  I  wrill 
give  up  my  constant  labors.  But  still  I  do  not  feel  that 
it  would  be  pleasing  to  my  heavenly  Father.  I  want  to 
do  my  Savior's  will  tor  His  name's  sake,  and  to  advance 
His  cause  and  lead  souls  to  Christ.  Oh,  it  is  a  blessed 
work.  I  have  been  from  home  only  about  five  months 
this  year  past,  excepting  for  only  a  day  or  two  at  a  time. 
So  that  you  see  I  am  not  quite  as  bad  as  formerly  to  be 
absent.  I  am  really  anxious  to  hear  about  father's 
health.  I  know  you  must  be  in  great  affliction  and  filled 
with  sorrow;  yet  I  know  our  compassionate  Saviour 
will  do  all  things  right  and  we  shall  know  by  and  by 
Avhat  now  is  dark  to  us.  Pray  much  for  me  that  God 
would  lead  me,  and  that  I  may  ever  be  willing  to  walk  in 
the  path  of  right.  With  the  kindest  regards  to  all. 
The  Sabbath  before  I  left  L.  twenty-five  united  with  the 
branch  of  Christ's  vine  and  probably  as  many  more  will 
very  soon.      How  is  our  sick  father? 

Your  eldest  affectionate  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


Stows  Square,  Dec  22,  1849, ) 
Saturday,  2  o'clock,  P.  M.       ) 

My  Dear  and  Affectionate  Mother: 

I  have  just  returned  from  Clinton  where  I  had  been 
to  get  the  sick  ones  home,  and    the    moment    I    reached 


332  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

After  death       home  with  them,  the  children  handed  me  the 
of  his  father,      telegraphic  dispatch  announcing  the  death 

Written  r    7  .  ,  ,  •      ,  ,<r      r 

to  his  widowed        °f  tllat  ever  deai"  and  kind  Parent-      My  first 

mother.  thought  was,  I  will  take  a  fresh  horse  (as  all 

the  stages  have  left  for  to-day  I  and  start  for  Utica,  and 
reach  Albany  by  Sabbath  noon.  Then  I  felt,  how  can  I 
break  God's  holy  day  ?  Would  that  dear  father  approve  ? 
I  felt  I  should  be  treading  on  the  very  sanctity  of  that 
dear  parent's  memory,  and,  besides,  I  might  not  reach 
there  in  time  for  the  funeral.  I  went  to  see  what  Sister 
A.  M.  could  do,  and  she  says  that  she  has  not  the  prep- 
arations ready  either  for  herself  or  her  babe,  and  it  would 
be  impossible  for  her  to  go.  She  was  very  anxious  I  should 
go,  and  for  our  dear  mother's  sake.  But  she  agreed  with 
me  that  it  would  not  be  right  to  travel  on  the  Sabbath,  and 
that  in  view  of  the  great  regard  which  our  dear  parent 
held  that  day,  it  would  not  be  advisable.  So  I  felt  that 
I  would  stay  with  her  and  not  leave  her  alone.  I  may, 
perhaps,  visit  you  in  a  few  days,  but  cannot  tell.  It 
would  be  the  joy  of  my  heart  to  mingle  with  you  in  this 
hour  of  sorrow,  but  I  have  thought  that,  perhaps,  I 
might  do  more  good  to  wait  a  little  time  and  then  assist 
in  arranging  your  temporal  affairs.  But  enough  of  this. 
Your  letter  came  after  I  left  for  C,  so  that  I  did  not  get 
it  until  after  I  returned  home.  I  had  felt  a  great  anxiety 
to  see  father  ever  since  I  received  sister  Julia's  letter  to 
A.  M.,  and  should  have  done  so  if  it  had  not  been  for 
the  sick  about  home.  But  all  will  be  right.  And  now, 
my  dear  mother,  I  know-  not  what  to  say.  My  heart  is 
full.  I  cannot  weep  for  him  back  again.  No,  no,  but 
oh,  the  home  is  gone.  I  think  of  the  living  and  their 
trials.     You  speak  of  your  working  hard  and    toiling  all 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  333 

day  through  life.  You  have,  dear  mother,  and  perhaps 
there  is  none  of  your  children  that  know  it  better  than 
myself.  There  are  scarcely  none  of  them  that  can 
remember  you  in  the  log  house  of  only  one  room  and  no 
cellar,  and  only  rough  boards  for  a  chamber  floor,  and  a 
ladder  to  ascend.  When  your  oldest  son  would  have  to 
run  of  errands  in  the  winter  barefooted,  and  toiling  with 
the  needle  until  midnight,  and  even  longer,  to  save  the 
little  that  we  had;  and  do  your  washing  before  light  by 
the  light  of  a  pine  knot;  and  from  that  time  to  this,  God 
truly  has  helped  you.  And  shall  He,  dear  mother,  for- 
sake you  in  such  an  hour  as  this?  Will  He  not  help 
you?  Shall  He  not  be  your  guide  and  your  all?  Has 
He  not  promised  to  be  the  widow's  God,  and  to  protect 
you  in  these  very  times  of  trouble?  May  the  Lord  be 
your  guide  and  support,  and  feed  you  with  His  manna, 
and  lead  you  in  all  the  way  of  love. 

The  sick  which  I  brought  home  are  as  comfortable  as 
I  could  expect.  I  hope  this  will  be  improved  to  our 
good  and  the  glory  of  God.  All  our  afflictions,  for  the 
present,  seem  grievous,  but  we  know  that  it  is  the  rod 
of  a  kind  Father,  and  that  all  things  work  together  for 
good  to  them  that  love  God. 

Dec.  23.  Sabbath  afternoon.  To-day  has  been  a  time 
lonely  to  me.  The  storm  last  night  shut  us  in  and 
the  Sabbath  we  have  spent  at  home,  and  the  most 
of  the  time  in  private  and  social  prayer,  and  in 
meditating  upon  the  scenes  at  your  home.  I  long,  I  sigh 
to  be  with  you,  but  I  have  thought,  too,  of  the  kindness 
of  the  Lord  toward  us.  Oh,  how  sweet  to  remember 
that  our  Savior  can  feel  with  us.  I  have  been  thinking 
of  Him  at  the  grave  of  Lazarus.     He  did  not  chide  when 


334  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

with  those  orphan  sisters  beeause  they  gave  vent  to  their 
troubled  spirits  in  tears.  No,  but  mingled  with  them  in 
their  sorrow.  O,  how  much  there  is  in  those  two  words, 
"Jesus  wept."  He  mingled  his  tears  with  the  lonely  and 
showed  them  that  He  felt  with  them.  And  so,  dear 
mother,  He  can  feel  for  us,  and  we  can  go  to  Him  with 
all  our  affliction  with  the  assurance  that  He  will 
feel  for  us,  and  will  cherish  our  request  for  help.  I 
suppose  by  this  hour  that  you  have  returned  to  your 
lonely  home,  or  remained  at  home,  while  by  others  he  was 
borne  away.  But  while  others  are  and  may  prove, 
indeed,  very  kind,  yet,  dear  mother,  you  have  a  promise 
now  which  you  could  never  plead  before,  "  I  will  be  the 
widow's  God,"  and  His  promises  are  sure.  He  will  pro- 
vide and  supply  all  your  wants.  Let  us  hear  from  you 
soon,  and  tell  us  all  about  the  funeral.  All  join  in  love 
and  in  affliction.  I  now  subscribe  myself  as  never  before, 
Your  fatherless  son, 

LEWIS   A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER   XXV 


MEETINGS  IN  DEPAUVILLE,  CAPE  VINCENT. 

DEPAUVILLE,  Feb.  4,  1850. 

Monday  Morning. 
My  Dear  Wife. 

%  T 

HIS  morning,  I  catch  a  moment  to  let  you  know 
how  things  prosper  here.  The  work  of  the 
Lord  has  been  on  the  increase  ever  since  I 
here,  and  the  whole  community  is  on  the 
God  has  broken  in  upon  the  head  ranks  of 
the  Universalists,  and  one  of  the  J.  family  has  given 
up  all  to  Christ.  I  was  called  up  at  midnight  to  go  to 
his  house  and  pray  for  him.  On  Saturday  I  preached 
to  them  from  the  two  thieves  on  the  cross.  Among 
others,  all  three  of  the  physicians  of  the  place  were 
forward  for  prayers.  All  got  up  and  spoke.  One 
of  them  declared  that  he  had  ever  been  known  as  a  Uni- 
versalist,  and  that  now  he  still  held  to  the  same;  but  he 
did  not  think  that  he  had  lived  a  practical  Christian. 
If  he  could  not  do  it,  he  would  give  up  his  Universalism. 
I  think  he  will  find  it  hard  business  to  mix  the  two. 
Yesterday  we  had  a  perfect  jam.  There  were  between 
three  and  four  hundred  seated  in  the  slips.  There  were 
two  hundred  seated  in   the  aisles,  and  about  a  hundred 

335 


336  LIFE    AM)    LETTERS    OF 

in  the  orchestra.  God  helped  me  to  preach  all  day. 
Morning,  Luke  24 :  26.  "Ought  not  Christ,"  etc.  After- 
noon, Judges  5:  23.  "Curse  ye  Merez,"  etc.  When  at 
the  close  nearly  every  person  in  the  house  rose  in  cove- 
nant that  the}-  would  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord. 
In  the  evening  the  house  was  as  full  as  ever.  Text, 
Isa.  1  :  2.  At  the  close  of  which  I  should  think  over  one 
hundred  rose  for  prayers.  After  which  the  choir  sat  and 
sang  in  a  plaintive  tone  "Show  pity,  Lord."  There  was 
no  chance  to  make  any  move,  but  I  requested  them  to 
sing  the  first  and  last  verses  of  "Alas,  and  did  my  Savior 
bleed."  And  that  all  in  the  congregation  who  did  really 
give  themselves  to  the  Lord  to  serve  Him,  if  they  did 
adopt  the  sentiment  of  the  last  verses,  to  rise.  There 
was  a  deep  sigh  like  eternity  all  over  the  house.  When 
ii"  sooner  than  the  choir  struck  the  last  verse,  the  whole 
congregation  1  with  the  exception  of  possibly  forty  1  sprung 
to  their  feet  as  if  each  were  the  only  one  to  rise,  and  each 
wished  to  be  the  first,  with  their  handkerchief  over  their 
faces.  After  they  had  finished  the  last  verse,  I  repeated 
that  if  any  had  risen  not  understanding  it  to  mean  a  con- 
secration to  God,  and  as  such  were  expected  to  do  the 
duties  of  a  Christian,  they  could  sit  down  while  the 
choir  repeated  the  verse.  But  not  one  sat  down  while 
the  choir  sang.  O,  what  an  hour  was  that !  God  only 
knows  the  heart.  Time  must  develop  the  whole.  To 
God,  to  God,  be  all  the  glory  for  His  hand  hath  done  the 
work.  At  about  eleven  at  night,  as  I  was  fixing  for  bed 
the  man  that  I  mentioned  to  you  before,  whose  wife  had 
given  up  all  to  the  Lord,  and  he  had  felt  so  bad  about  it 
etc.,  came  to  my  room  and  as  he  entered,  said :  "  I 
want   a   physician.     I   have   such  a  load  on    my  heart  I 


LEWIS     ALFRED     WICKES.  337 

cannot  live.  I  went  to  bed,  I  could  not  lie  there;  I  had 
to  come  and  get  some  one  to  pray  for  me."  We  talked 
a  little  and  bowed  in  prayer.  He  gave  up  all  to  Christ, 
we  hope,  and  went  home  rejoicing  in  the  Lord.  I  thank 
my  heavenly  Father  for  His  great  kindness.  And  let  us 
lie  humble  before  Him.  But  I  must  close  to  make  one 
or  two  calls  this  morning.  P.  M.  We  have  had  a  good 
meeting.  Several  hopefully  gave  up  all  to  God.  And 
yet  there 'is  much  to  be  done.  And  there  is  great  dan- 
ger of  their  being  carried  away  in  a  mere  whirlwind  of 
ecstacy,  (I  mean  professors.)  But  there  is  one  power 
above  all  others  for  our  help,  and  I  do  hope  and  pray 
that  God  will  indeed  be  our  strength.  And  may  I  be 
humble  at  His  feet  and  crown  Him  Lord  of  all,  for  He 
alone  is  worthy.  Half  past  ten  in  the  evening.  I  have 
just  returned  from  meeting.  The  house  was  crowded  to 
overflowing,  so  that  I  could  make  no  move  in  changing 
the  house,  but  to  have  them  rise  for  prayer,  and  then 
they  could  not  kneel  the  house  was  so  crowded,  but  some 
forty  spoke  afterwards,  and  Mr.  J.  the  Universalist,  rose 
and  said  he  would  lead  a  different  and  praying  life  if  he 
could  live  a  Christian  Universalist,  but  would  renounce 
his  faith  as  a  great  error  if  he  could  not;  and  requested 
prayers  for  his  whole  family.  O,  that  God  may  take  this 
work  in  His  own  hands,  and  bring  order  out  of  confu- 
sion. How  many  have  given  up  all  to  the  Lord  I  can- 
not say.  But  there  are  man}'  who  are  not  yet  brought 
to  bow  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  Let  us  ever  look  to  God 
for  help,  for  Jesus' sake.  February  12.  An  extract.  As 
they  have  been  after  me  from  Chamount,  six  miles  from 
this  place,  I  shall  not  of  course  go  to  R.  I  am  glad  they 
have  got   Brother  B.,  as   I  could  not  get  there  in   time. 


338  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

How  long  I  shall  stay  here  I  cannot  tell.  The  work 
keeps  spreading.  There  have  been  several  interesting 
cases  of  hopeful  conversions.  Some  cling  to  error  of 
whom  it  was  hoped  better  things.  But  yet  God's  spirit 
is  still  striving  with  them.  The  Universalist  minister  is 
quite  faithful  in  his  labors  to  make  men  more  like  the 
devil,  and  seems  to  be  fearful  that  all  will  be  lost  if  they 
forsake  Universalism.  They  had  a  meeting  on  Sabbath 
evening.  Some  got  up  and  talked,  told  how  happy  they 
were,  and  how  the  gospel  saves  swearers  and  all.  But 
God  may  overrule  for  His  glory  as  it  opens  the  eyes  of 
people  to  see  their  awful  condition,  without  a  new  heart 
or  love  and  at  the  same  time  say  they  are  prepared  for 
heaven.     May  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  them. 


DEPAUVILLE,  February  20,  1850. 
My  Dear  Wife  : 

My  health  is  not  quite  as  good  as  when  I  first  came 
here.  I  did  intend  to  close  here  last  Sabbath,  but  such 
was  the  state  of  feeling  they  wanted  the  meeting  to  con- 
tinue. There  have  been  over  one  hundred  hopeful  con- 
versions and  backsliders  reclaimed.  The  house  contin- 
uing to  be  crowded  every  evening  and  well  filled  every 
day.  And  an  advance  in  interest  since  the  Sabbath. 
The  only  way  they  can  make  any  great  expression  of 
feeling  is  by  holding  up  the  hands.  Last  Sabbath  the 
house  was  so  perfectly  jammed  that  when  they  took  the 
expression  for  the  continuation  of  the  meeting,  there  was 
a  universal  holding  up  of  the  hand  and  some  of  the  im- 
penitent held  up   both  hands.      How   long   I   shall  tarry 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  339 

here  I  cannot  say.  I  shall  have  to  be  at  home  on  the 
4th  and  5th  of  March,  to  attend  to  the  Turin  business.* 
Let  us  have  more  of  the  spirit  of  Jesus  in  our  souls,  and 
make  heaven  our  great  aim,  that  we  may  finish  our 
course  with  joy.  I  hope  the  children  will  be  very  indus- 
trious and  learn  much  for  their  good  and  ours.  I  must 
close.     Love  to  all. 

Your  poor  but  affectionate  husband, 

L.    A.    WICKES. 


DEPAUVILLE,  March  14,  1850. 

Dear  Brother  Wickes: 

I  shall  never  forget  the  morning  you  left  Depauville. 
The  language  of  your  last  prayer  here.  Since  you  left 
we  have  been  trying  to  serve  the  Lord.  You  had  been 
gone  only  half  an  hour  when  C.  F.  came  to  see  you  start, 
he  felt  bad  because  he  did  not  see  you.  Directly  after 
Mr.  W.  came  over  and  said  "  is  it  possible  he  has  gone," 
he  could  not  restrain  his  feelings.  I  then  thought  it  was 
time  to  start  and  let  the  people  know  you  had  gone.  I 
then  went  and  distributed  the  cards  you  left.  The  first 
house  I  went  in  was  Brother  F.'s,  there  we  had  a  season 
of  prayer.  Then  I  went  to  Deacon  G.,  and  I  prayed 
with  them,  all  uniting.  Went  from  there  to  Mr.  M.,  and 
when  on  the  steps  heard  prayer.  Left  and  went  to  Doc- 
tor S.,  then  heard  prayer,  and  left  again,  going  by  Doctor 
I.,  heard  him  praying,  so  when  I  came  back,  got  opposite 
of  Mr.  F.,  stopped  in  the  street,  heard  him  praying,  and 

*  He  was  guardian  to  a  fatherless  young  lady. 


340  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

likewise  Mr.  W.  It  did  seem  as  though  the  people  were 
worshiping  God.  The  meetings  since  you  left,  have  been 
well  attended  on  the  last  week.  This  week  I  have  just 
returned  after  a  short  absence.  The  converts  take  up 
their  duty  well.  Brother  W.  did  not  preach  last  Sab- 
bath, he  was  sick.  The  house  was  well  filled,  but  ad- 
journed to  the  Methodist  house.  Brother  B.  was  a  good 
deal  embarrassed,  but  with  all,  there  was  a  good  meeting. 
In  the  afternoon  went  to  Brother  L.  to  a  prayer  meeting, 
house  full,  a  good  meeting.  In  the  evening  prayer  meet- 
ing in  the  M.  E.  Church,  a  good  meeting  again.  I  tell 
you  Brother  Wickes,  1  never  expected  to  see  such  a  time 
in  Depauvillc.  When  I  look  and  see  the  change  that 
has  taken  place  in  this  village,  I  cannot  but  exclaim,  to 
God  be  all  the  glory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  My 
prayer  is  that  you  may  always  be,  while  on  earth,  turning 
souls  to  the  Savior.  Brother  C  F.  sends  his  love  to  you, 
and  I  might  ask  who  don't.  You  have  certainly  got  the 
prayers,  if  not  the  hearts  of  the  people.  I  have  been  to 
La  Fargeville,  and  the  inquiry  has  been,  have  you  heard 
from  Brother  Wickes,  you  have  the  prayers  of  the  peo- 
ple for  your  immediate  recovery.  Dear  Brother,  there  is 
not  at  present  anything  in  respect  of  the  converts  to 
write  discouraging,  but  all  do  their  duty.  The  young 
people  have  a  prayer  meeting,  and  the  house  is  well  filled. 
There  is  a  good  deal  of  sickness  around  the  village,  but 
none  of  the  people  that  attended  the  meeting,  as  I  have 
heard  of.  Many  individual  friends  send  love,  praying  for 
your  recovery  to  health.  Pray  for  us.  I  remain  yours 
in  the  bonds  of  Christian  friendship, 

ABEL  COLMAN 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  341 

Mr.  Wickes  came  home  to  attend  to  the  court  busi- 
ness in  connection  with  his  guardianship,  remaining 
about  two  weeks,  and  going  to  Cape  Vincent,  from  which 
he  wrote. 

Cape  Vincent,  March  20,  1850. 
My  Dear  Wife: 

I  catch  a  moment  this  morning  before  the  mail  leaves 
to  give  you  the  history  of  my  journey.  We  arrived  at 
Mr.  C.'s  about  1 1  o'clock,  and  stayed  there  until  after  din- 
ner. When  we  took  buggy  and  started  on  in  the  storm. 
We  stopped  in  Watertown  a  short  time,  Mrs.  W.  not  at 
home.  We  then  came  on  to  B.  in  the  mud.  The  frost 
out  of  the  ground  so  much,  that  they  were  laying  plank 
on  the  road  between  H.  and  W.  It  stormed  very  hard 
indeed,  and  began  to  grow  colder.  Called  upon  Brother 
Wood.  He  gave  his  consent  to  have  me  come  here  very 
reluctantly,  and  then  I  must  call  and  see  the  brethren  at 
D.  1  did  so,  and  they  felt  it  would  be  cruel  indeed  for 
me  to  come  past  them.  But  I  finally  did  come.  We 
had  a  plank  road  from  1).  about  five  miles  and  then  in 
the  mud  half  a  hub  deep,  and  so  hard  that  the  horse 
would  go  only  a  few  rods  before  she  would  stop.  About 
a  mile  and  a  half  from  D.  is  the  village  of  L.  on  P.  river, 
a  village  of  some  twenty-five  or  thirty  houses,  but  no 
church  at  all.  We  arrived  at  Chamount*  about  seven 
in  the  evening,  and  put  up  with  Rev.  Mr.  Camfield,  who 
very  courteously  entreated  us.  I  found  I  had  taken  cold 
in  my  neck,  and  a  severe  pain  in  the  small  of  my  back. 
I  bathed  myself  with  spirits  of  camphor,  rested  not  very 
well,  and  in  the  morning  I  rose  with  a  severe  head  ache, 

*  Pronounced  Shemo. 


342  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

the  worst  I  have  had  for  a  long  time.  Chamount  has 
got  to  be  quite  a  village.  But  morals  have  not  advanced 
much.  They  have  a  stone  bridge  nearly  completed 
across  the  bay,  which  cost  them  about  $5,000,  which 
now  has  the  appearance  of  being  very  durable.  The 
next  morning  I  had  to  foot  it  a  part  of  the  way,  and  the 
going  was  very  bad.  I  reached  hereabout  twelve  o'clock, 
having  called  once  on  the  way  and  washed  my  head 
again  with  spirits  of  camphor;  and  when  I  reached  this 
place  I  found  my  head  some  better.  Found  things  here 
in  a  very  interesting  state,  and  yet  not  that  attendance 
in  the  afternoon  which  I  expected.  Meeting  at  half-past 
two  in  the  afternoon  was  very  poorly  attended,  two  male 
members,  four  female  members,  and  six  converts,  and  two 
ministers.  I  felt  strangely,  I  can  assure  you,  with  all 
the  description  which  we  had  of  the  state  of  things  to 
meet  only  a  few  in  this  time  of  interest.  I  walked  around 
the  village  after  meeting,  and  retired  to  my  room  in  the 
Rev.  Mr.  I.'s  house.  In  the  evening  there  was  a  house 
pretty  full,  say  some  three  hundred  persons  out,  and  a 
good  attention.  After  which  there  were  two  hopefully 
brought  to  bow  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  I  have  given 
you  a  brief  history  up  to  this  morning.  I  feel  better 
than  I  did  yesterday,   and   nothing  is  yet  unfavorable  to 

The  last  letter  myself.  April  9th.  I  have  watched  the 
while  at       mail  for  the    last    few  days  to  hear  from 

his  last  meeting,  you.  The  developments  which  have  made 
themselves  manifest  since  I  wrote  have  astonished  me 
beyond  degree.  If  I  had  known  them  before  I  left  home 
you  would  not  have  parted  with  me  for  this  place.  There 
was  a  division  of  the  church  in  regard  to  getting  help, 
and  the  minister  did  not  want  help,  only  just  because  the 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  343 

church  would  have  it.  And  I  have  not  been  able  to  get 
him  to  preach  a  sermon  since  I  came  here.  I  supposed 
all  the  time  it  was  because  he  did  not  feel  able  to,  but  I 
found  it  was  because  he  thought  the  church  did  not  want 
to  have  him.  And  I  had  this  thing  to  settle  between 
them.  Brother  L.  felt  they  were  treating  him  unkindly, 
for  they  sent  him  for  me,  and  supposed  that  as  such  it  was 
all  harmonious,  taking  things  as  they  were.  I  then  told 
them  they  were  treating  me  and  the  people  in  D.  and  the 
cause  of  Christ  wrongfully,  and  I  should  leave.  Then  all 
began  to  beg  me  not  to,  for  the  work  would  be  at  an  end, 
etc.  There  were  new  cases  of  conversion  daily,  and  the 
work  spreading  all  the  time.  With  the  view  of  closing  I 
preached  to  the  converts  last  Sabbath,  when  there  were 
about  one  hundred  hopeful  converts  seated  together. 
The  church,  and  the  wicked,  and  all  were  surprised  to  see 
the  number.  And  they  do  all  appear  very  well  indeed, 
of  all  ages  and  all  classes.  To  God  be  all  the  glory 
given  for  all  that  He  has  done.  There  arc  some  who 
have  been  R.  Catholic,  Universalists,  and  would-be 
Deists,  etc.  1  thank  God  for  all  His  kindness  towards  all 
this  people.  Then,  as  is  always  the  case,  the  Lord  open- 
ed the  hearts  of  the  people  to  desire  more,  and  they  took 
an  expression  to  have  me  stay  longer.  I  felt  reluctant 
so  to  do,  but  I  finally  consented  thus  to  do.  Hence  this 
letter.  The  people  in  Dexter  feel  very  anxious,  and  yet 
I  am  very  fearful  that  hope  deferred  maketh  the  heart 
sad,  and  do  not  know  what  will  be  the  effect.  But  I 
must  close  this  with  a  word  to  the  children,  which  was 
dated  March  23. 

Yours  affectionately, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


344  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

Finish  of  Spend  your    time    usefully,    and   try   to 

next  letter,     make  each  other  happy.  And  improve  all  the 

time  you  can  in  your  books,  and  may  God  be  with  you, 

and  you  love  the  Savior,  is  the  earnest   prayer   of  your 

affectionate  father, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 
Hope  to  be  home  in  a  few  days.     Love  to  all.     Pray 
much. 


Cape  Vincent,  March  25,  1850. 
My  Dear  Children: 

I  trust  before  this  you  have  received  my  letter  de- 
scriptive of  my  journey  to  this  place,  directed  to  your  very- 
dear  mother.  The  village  contains  some  six  hundred  in- 
habitants. Quite  a  number  French  and  Canadians.  The 
moral  influence  is  not  very  good.  Infidelity  has  a  very 
strong  hold  upon  the  minds  of  the  people.  Men,  and  wo- 
men too,  deny  the  Bible  and  the  existence  of  God.  They 
have  two  church  edifices,  Episcopal  and  Presbyterian. 
The  Presbyterian  is  of  stone,  with  the  woodwork  and 
steeple  on  the  outside  painted  a  light  brown.  It  has 
quite  a  large  porch.  Session  room  over  the  porch  that 
would  accommodate  some  seventy-five  or  more  persons. 
This  church  has  fifty-four  seats  which  will  hold  six  per- 
sons each,  1  Sarah,  how  many  will  that  seatri  besides  an 
orchestra  that  will  hold  fifty,  perhaps  more.  The  pulpit 
in  the  back  end  of  the  church  with  an  ordinary  sofa  in  it, 
and  the  floor  of  the  whole  church  carpeted.  It  is  situ- 
ated on  Main  street,  which  runs  east  and  west  nearly  a 
mile  long.  It  faces  the  north  and  is  quite  a  pleasant  lo- 
cation.    Morning    of   Monday,    25.      Since    writing   the 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  345 

above  I  have  taken  a  walk  out.  I  went  upon  the  river, 
as  the  ice  was  still  across  it  or  nearly  so.  I  went  into 
one  of  the  stores,  and  it  is  a  hell  upon  earth.  Drinking, 
and  gambling,  and  swearing,  a  most  miserable  hole.  I 
would  not  dwell  in  such  a  hole  as  that  for  all  earth  calls 
dear. 

I  have  some  fears  of  the  powers  of  infidelity  that  are 
so  prevalent  here.  But  still  I  know  that  the  Lord's  arm 
is  very  strong,  and  there  is  no  arm  like  unto  His,  and  it 
is  His  own  course,  and  He  will  "make  the  wrath  of  man 
to  praise  Him."  There  seems  to  be  an  increase  of  feeling 
here,  though  I  found  things  different  from  what  I  had  an- 
ticipated when  I  came  here.  I  found  that  there  were 
very  few  who  attended  the  meeting  except  professors, 
and  but  few  of  them.  The  church  is  now  quite  well 
filled,  and  some  forty  forward  for  prayers  last  evening, 
converts  and  all.  One  of  them  has  just  been  in  to  see 
me,  by  the  name  of  H.,  a  man  sixty  years  of  age.  He 
appears  very  well.  His  wife,  his  only  child  and  her  hus- 
band, have  given  up  all  to  God.  Blessed  be  His  name. 
My  health  this  morning  not  quite  as  good  as  usual,  but 
hope  for  the  best.  Monday  evening,  half-past  ten.  I 
have  just  returned  from  meeting.  I  will  spend  a  few 
moments  in  writing.  At  the  meeting  this  afternoon 
there  were  some  six  or  seven  hopefully  converted.  It 
was  the  most  melting  time  I  have  seen  in  a  good  while. 
This  evening  there  were  somewhere  between  fifty  and 
sixty  forward  for  prayer,  converts  and  all,  and  nearly  all 
of  them  hopefully  gave  up  all  to  Christ.  To  God  be  all 
the  glory.  I  wish  my  dear  children  were  here  to  enjoy 
it  with  me.  I  do  sometimes  feel  that  I  cannot  consent 
to  be  absent  so  much  and  you  not  have  the  privilege  of 

22 


346  LIFE   AND   LETTERS  OF 

the  means  of  grace.  I  feel  that  it  is  robbing  you  of  the 
greatest  blessings  to  shut  you  out  from  the  stated  means 
of  grace.  But  let  us  truly  look  to  the  Savior  for  His 
guiding  hand  to  lead  us  according  to  His  will  and  He 
will  guide  us  for  our  good. 


Stows  Square,  March  14,  1850. 
Dear  Mother: 

I  have  been  home  only  a  week  and  been  confined  to 
the  house  most  of  the  time  since  my  return  home.  My 
labors  were  so  fatiguing  that  it  brought  on  some  of  my 
old  complaints  and  I  have  been  obliged  to  lie  still  for  a 
few  days,  though  I  find  it  is  very  hard  work  for  me 
when  they  are  all  saying,  "Come  over  and  help  us."  Such 
is  the  state  of  religion  in  all  the  region  where  I  have  been 
laboring,  that  I  have  most  urgent  calls  from  eight  differ- 
ent churches,  and  the  spirit  of  God  is  awakening  sinners 
in  all  that  region. 

The  meeting  I  last  held  continued  six  weeks,  and 
would  have  gone  on  longer  but  I  had  to  come  to  attend 
Surrogate's  Court.  The  meeting  was  in  a  most  blessed 
state  when  it  closed.  Between  the  afternoon  and  evening 
there  were  some  forty  persons  came  to  my  room  for 
prayer  and  counsel,  and  several  for  the  first  time  called 
upon  the  Lord.  That  evening  there  were  some  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty  came  forward  for  prayers ;  after  which  I 
gave  an  opportunity  for  such  as  hoped  they  had  given 
all  to  Christ  to  speak,  and  then  one  hundred  and  ten  got 
up  and  spoke,  and  I  had  no  chance  to  close  the  meeting 
until  half-past  eleven  o'clock  and  then  all  seemed  loth  to 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  347 

leave  the  place.  Some  went  home  weeping,  some  went 
singing,  and  some  went  praying.  And  all  feeling  the 
work  must  not  cease.  There  were  from  one  hundred  and 
thirty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  hopeful  conversions,  and 
from  the  child  of  twelve  to  the  man  of  seventy.  Most 
of  them  were  youngerly  people,  and  the  majority  were 
males.  To  God  be  all  the  glory  and  honor,  for  all 
that  has  been  done  is  by  His  might,  for  Paul  may 
plant  and  Apollos  may  water,  but  God  alone  giveth  the 
increase.  I  do  feel  that  it  is  a  privilege  to  be  allowed  to 
work  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  and  be  instrumental  in 
leading  souls  to  the  paths  of  peace.  Let  the  world  have 
its  riches  and  boast  of  its  glory,  but  give  me  the  glory  of 
leading  souls  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  be  counted  a  fool  for 
Christ's  sake.  I  shall  probably  leave  home  again  as  soon 
as  I  am  able,  and  for  how  long  I  cannot  say. 

If  my  health  should  not  prove  good,  I  then  shall  take 
another  course.  Rut  may  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done 
in  my  heart  and  in  all  of  us.  C.  and  all  the  rest  send 
love  to  you  and  all. 

Your  son, 

L.  A.  WICKES. 


CHAPTER    XXVI. 


COPENHAGEN  AND  LAST  SICKNESS. 


FTER  the  close  of  the  meeting  in  Cape  Vincent, 
he  came  home  and  staid  about  two  week,  trying 
to  recruit  his  health  by  out  door  labor  on  his 
little  farm  of  twelve  acres,  not  all  paid  for.  He  was  in 
constant  reception  of  letters  urging  his  presence  in  differ- 
ent directions.  He  preached  two  Sabbaths  in  Copen- 
hagen, the  last  time  taking  his  wife  with  him.  This  was 
on  May  5th,  1850,  the  text  on  Sabbath  afternoon 
was  from  Mark  6:  12.  "And  they  went  out  and 
preached,  that  men  should  repent."  While  in  the  desk  .he 
felt  in  such  pain  that  it  was  noticed,  and  when  questioned 
why  he  did  not  stop,  he  said,  "I  thought  it  might  be  the 
last  and  tried  to  finish  the  work."  He  went  to  his 
boarding  place,  and  the  results  will  be  found  in  the  fol- 
lowing letters : 

Copenhagen,  May  7,  1850. 
Dear  Sister  and  Children  : 

I  suppose  you  looked  for  us  home  yesterday,  and 
wondered  some  why  we  did  not  come.  I  will  tell  you. 
Your  pa  did  not  feel  well  Sabbath  morning,  but  preached 
twice,  and  came  back  sick  to  Mr.  Kilburn's,  where  we 
staid  Saturday  night.  We  sent  for  Dr.  S.  but  he  was 
not  at  home,  we  tried  to  doctor  him  all  night,  but  he  did 

348 


LEWIS  ALFRED   WICKES.  349 

not  feel  any  better  in  the  morning,  so  we  sent  for  the 
doctor  again,  but  he  had  not  got  home.  Then  Mr. 
K.  called  in  the  Dutch  doctor.  He  attended  faithfully 
to  him  through  the  day,  yesterday,  and  this  morning  he 
brought  Dr.  S.  with  him,  and  they  both  say  he  is  not 
able  to  ride  home  now.  And  Dr.  S.  says  he  ought  not 
to  go  home  until  next  week,  but  we  hope  much  sooner. 
His  disease,  congestion  of  the  lungs,  bilious  stomach,  and 
general  debility.  We  are  in  the  midst  of  the  kindest  ol 
friends,  but  you  know  we  came  away  without  bringing 
one  extra  garment,  thinking  we  should  be  home  by  Mon- 
day. (Here  several  necessary  articles  were  named  to  be 
put  into  a  valise,  and  pa  gave  some  directions  about 
some  necessary  work,  etc.,  and  telling  all  at  home  to  do 
the  best  they  could,  to  send  to  us  by  the  bearer  of  this 
letter.)  I  trust  through  a  kind  Providence  we  shall  not  be 
detained  here  long,  though  pa  is  quite  weak  now.  The 
pain  in  his  lungs,  head  and  back  are  somewhat  relieved, 
except  weakness  he  complains  of  pain  between  his  shoul- 
der blades,  and  his  blister  on  his  stomach.  He  thought 
he  ought  to  be  bled,  but  the  doctors  thought  not  best. 
He  vomited  some,  but  we  gave  him  a  cathartic,  which 
operated  copiously.  Of  course  he  will  be  necessarily 
considerably  prostrated.  You  shall  hear  if  there  is  any 
unfavorable  change  hereafter. 

Your  affectionate  sister  and  mother, 

C.  WICKES 


Copenhagen,  May  8,  1850. 
Dear  Children: 

Sickness.    No  doubt  you  are  wishing  to  hear  about  your 
dear  pa.     Yesterday  he  was   under  the  influence  of  a  ca- 


350  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

thartic  and  another  blister;  rested  some  the  latter  part 
of  the  night.  This  morning  I  thought  his  symptoms  all 
were  favorable,  but  he  seems  considerably  exhausted 
after  writing  a  short  letter  to  Mr.  Coleman.  He  has 
some  fears  that  the  seat  of  the  inflammation  on  his  lungs 
is  not  broken  up.  He  coughs  very  little,  expectorates 
some,  not  quite  as  easily  or  freely  as  yesterday.  Talking 
tires  him  exceedingly.  Countenance  at  times  indicates 
jaundice.  Has  not  had  his  clothes  on  since  last  Sabbath 
night.  The  German  doctor  went  to  Adams  yesterday, 
returned  to-night.  Dr.  S.  called  last  eve.  We  expect 
him  again  to-day.  They  agree  in  their  practice.  But 
the  Lord  only  can  make  any  means  efficacious.  If  he 
has  a  work  for  us  in  Copenhagen  or  anywhere  else,  I 
trust  He  will  prepare  us  and  give  us  strength  to  perform 
it,  and  when  our  work  is  done  may  we  be  ready  to  go 
where  none  shall  say  I  am  sick.  I  was  glad  of  the  things 
you  sent.  Friends  are  very  kind.  I  do  not  know  as  we 
could  have  gotten  a  man  in  the  county  as  good  a  nurse 
as  Mr.  K.  P.  M.  Pa's  pulse  ranges  about  ioo.  Dr. 
has  not  been  in  to-day.  Cannot  say  that  I  think  he  is 
materially  worse  though  he  appears  a  little  more  feverish. 
I  have  been  anticipating  if  the  weather  would  be  good 
we  should  return  home  this  week,  but  we  will  try  to  be 
content  with  what  seems  best.  There  was  a  female 
prayer  meeting,  and  a  very  good  one.  It  was  appointed 
last  Sabbath.  I  did  not  then  think  of  being  detained 
here  so  as  to  attend  it.  If  we  do  not  go  home  will  write 
again.  In  the  meantime  be  good  children  and  pray  that 
the  Lord  will  take  us  all  under  His  special  care  and  grant 
what  will  be  for  our  best  good.  Love  to  all. 
Your  affectionate  mother, 

C.  WTCKES. 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  351 

8th.  Mr.  W.'s  symptoms  all  appeared  better.  The 
doctor  left  him  to  visit  other  patients  at  some  distance; 
was  absent  all  night.  After  all  had  retired,  Mr.  W.  arose 
and  wrote  a  letter,  then  woke  his  wife,  who  was  asleep 
on  the  sofa  near  his  bedroom,  wishing  her  to  address  the 
letter  and  see  it  mailed  in  the  morning;  he  then  retired, 
but  was  restless  the  remainder  of  the  night  and  the  next 
day.  Instead  of  having  regained  his  rest  and  renewed 
strength,  he  felt  an  extreme  debility,  loss  of  appetite  for 
any  food ;  felt  some  discouragement,  as  he  could  not  ride 
home.  Still  hoping  all  for  the  best,  anxious  friends  were 
ready  to  anticipate  and  meet  every  want  which  they 
could.  The  doctor  returned  hoping  to  find  him  convales- 
cent, but  found  him  in  rather  a  feverish  state.  Dr.  S. 
also  came  in  to  see  him.  They  concluded  he  was  having 
a  relapse  of  his  bilious  disease.  They  immediately  com- 
menced taking  him  through  a  pretty  severe  course  of 
treatment  to  break  up  the  bilious  symptoms,  which  they 
thought  made  him  appear  so  feverish.  This  added  to 
the  prostration  of  his  nervous  system.  He  continued  to 
exhibit  the  same  feverish  state  until  the  14th,  when  a 
council  of  physicians  met.  After  some  consultation  it 
was  then  thought  a  course  of  salivation  would  break  up 
the  disease,  and  his  naturally  strong  constitution  would 
enable  him  to  regain  his  health.  His  attending  physi- 
cians pursued  the  advice,  but  "man's  ways  are  not  as 
God's  ways,  nor  his  thoughts  as  God's  thoughts."  His 
nervous  system  became  so  exhausted  it  seemed  advisable 
to  send  for  the  dear  children  to  visit  him,  as  he  might 
not  be  able  to  communicate  or  know  them.  When  they 
first  came  in  he  appeared  to  know  and  smiled  to  see 
them.     They  staid  all  night.     He  was  not   unconscious, 


352  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

but  a  stupor  came  over  him,  mostly  during  the  night. 
The  little  daughters  were  taken  to  his  bed  in  the  morn- 
ing and  he  was  told  they  had  got  ready  to  leave  and  go 
home.  He  replied,  "  Will  they  not  stay  all  night  ? "  not 
realizing  that  they  had  staid  through  the  night.  He 
then  seemed  to  be  sensible  of  their  presence.  He  desired 
them  to  always  be  good  children,  remember  to  keep  up 
the  family  altar,  then  kissed  them  good-bye  and  immedi- 
ately relapsed  into  a  stupor.  They  never  heard  the 
loved  voice  of  their  dear  affectionate  pa  again.  Nothing 
but  the  precious  promises  of  our  blessed  Savior  could 
sustain  at  such  an  hour.  He  continued  to  sink  notwith- 
standing every  effort  to  revive  and  raise  him  up,  except 
when  after  moments  of  extreme  pain  he  was  relieved,  he 
then  would  thank  the  Lord  for  the  respite  from  pain. 
The  last  night  he  suffered  much  from  bodily  pain.  On 
Sabbath  morning  he  gave  up  all  hopes  of  recovery;  he 
called  and  wished  to  see  his  dear  wife — commended  her 
and  the  children  to  the  Lord,  unable  to  say  more. 
About  nine  o'clock  A.M.,  May  19,  1850,  while  the  bell 
was  calling  the  people  to  assemble  at  the  church  where 
he  stood  and  delivered  his  sermon,  just  two  weeks  before, 
he  was  summoned  to  join  the  assembly  above  and 
worship  in  the  presence  of  the  Savior  whom  he  adored 
and  so  faithfully  served  while  here  on  earth.  On  Tues- 
day, the  2 1st,  a  large  concourse  assembled  at  the  church 
in  Copenhagen,  where  the  Rev.  Mr.  Spears  preached  an 
appropriate  funeral  sermon  from  John  13:7.  Jesus  said, 
"  What  I  do  thou  knowest  not  now,  but  thou  shalt  know 
hereafter."  His  remains  were  then  conveyed  to  and  interred 
in  the  family  burying-ground  at  Stows  Square.  His 
bereaved  family  received  many  letters,  and  tokens  of  con- 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  353 

dolence   from   those   who    had     been     benefited    by    his 
instructions  and  prayers. 

"The   memory    of  the  just    is    blessed."     "He  that 
winneth  souls  is  wise." 


Depauville,  May  14,  1850. 
Dear  Brother  Wickes: 

The  opening  of  your  letter  caused  me  a  good  deal  of 
pain.  Oh,  brother,  your  family  have  claims  on  you.  I 
believe  it  is  your  duty  to  have  some  care  of  your  health. 
I  don't  know  as  I  should  find  fault  with  you,  for  the 
Lord  has  promised  to  be  with  all  those  who  put  their 
trust  in  Him.  I  believe  "it  is  safer  to  wear  out  than 
rust  out."  But  then  I  think  of  your  family.  We  here 
sympathize  with  you  in  your  affliction,  and  pray  that  the 
Lord  will  make  your  afflictions  a  blessing  to  yourself  and 
family  and  the  church  of  our  Lord.  There  is  still  a  good 
state  of  feeling  in  this  place.  Our  Sabbath-school  has 
commenced,  and  there  were  over  one  hundred  scholars 
present  last  Sabbath  to  recite. 

When  I  mentioned  your  sickness  in  the  school  it  pro- 
duced a  great  feeling.  Oh,  I  wish  you  would  come  here 
and  see  us  when  you  get  better,  we  all  want  to  see  you, 
it  would  do  us  good,  we  love  your  Captain,  or  I 
think  there  are  some  here  who  do.  Remember  the 
Fourth  of  July ;  we  shall  soon  make  the  arrangements  for 
the  same.  E.  M.  has  been  very  sick  and  there  was  very 
little  prospect  of  her  recovery,  but  to  day  she  is  some 
better.     You  have  the  prayers  of  all  the  people  here  for 


354  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

your  speedy  recovery.    Mrs.  C.  and  mother  send  respects 
to  yourself  and  family. 

Respectfully  yours, 

ABEL  COLEMAN. 
In  haste.     Write  soon. 


CHAPTER    XXVII. 
FUNERAL    SERMON,    AND    TESTIMONIALS. 


XTRACTS  from  a  sermon  by  Rev.  G.  Cross  on  the 
death  of  Rev.  L.  A.  Wickes,  preached  at  Canton 
Falls,  May  30th,  1850,  at  Richville,  June  7th,  at 
Lisbon  June  16th,  and  by  invitation  delivered  at  Den- 
mark in  presence  of  his  family  the  same  fall. 

Text,  II.  Cor.,  1 1  :  23.  "  In  labors  more  abun- 
dant." It  has  been  customary  in  all  ages,  the  history  of 
which  has  been  written,  for  men  of  serious  thought,  to 
remember  with  gratitude  to  God,  those  who  have  been 
benefactors  to  their  fellow  men,  both  in  church  and  State. 
This  is  required  in  Scripture  and  not  censured  if  not  de- 
generated into  the  idolatry  of  "  worshiping  the  creature 
more  than  the  Creator."  In  the  history  of  the  church 
we  read  of  marked  instances  where  the  people  of  God 
have  paid  great  respect  for  their  dead  whose  services  had 
been  owned  and  blest  of  God  in  ameliorating  the  physical 
and  moral  conditions  of  man,  especially  those  who  have 
labored  for  the  good  of  His  common  Zion.  I  may  be 
permitted  to  say  that  my  long  and  endearing  acquain- 
tance with  my  dear  brother  Wickes  does  require  of  me, 
public  attestation  of  his  personal  and  ministerial  worth, 
and  which  was  purely  by  the  grace  of  God. 
The  great  object  of  the  Apostleship  of  Paul,  was  the  sal- 
vation of  souls  and  confirming   Christians   in   the   truth. 

355 


356  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

This  blessed  work  called  forth  all  the  energies  of  his 
mind,  in  it  he  was  "willing  to  spend  and  be  spent,"  to  ac- 
complish which,  he  did  "not  count  his  life  dear  unto  him- 
self" so  that  he  might  finish  his  course  with  joy,  and  the 
ministry  which  he  had  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  In 
this  he  labored,  and  in  it  he  died ;  when  he  ceased  to 
labor  for  Christ,  his  soul  went  from  the  martyr's  stake, 
home  to  glory. 

The  review  that  we  have  referred  to,  was  of  the  life 
of  one  who  was  an  inspired  man ;  one  who  sustained  an 
extraordinary  relation  to  the  church  universal.  Still  we 
believe  that  the  words  may  be  used  by  us  on  this  occa- 
sion appropriately,  for  the  reviewing  in  a  brief  manner, 
the  ministerial  life  of  our  lamented  brother  Wickes. 

Let  me  say  in  particular  that  it  is  a  cause  of  gratitude 
to  the  great  head  of  the  church,  that  our  brother  was  so 
fully  prepared  for  so  extensive  usefulness  in  our  Master  s 
vineyard.  It  is  given  but  to  a  few,  to  be  so  peculiarly 
endowed  with  ministerial  gifts,  by  which  much  good  was 
accomplished  in  the  way  of  immediate  effect  to  those 
who  enjoyed  the'  privilege  of  sitting  under  his  ministry 
only  for  a  few  weeks,  to  man)'  of  whom  it  was  a  "  sa- 
vor of  life  unto  life." 

I.  He  was  abundant  in  his  studies.  When  time 
permitted  he  was  studious  to  acquire  all  knowledge 
which  was  necessary  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  minis- 
terial duties.  He  believed  and  practiced  on  the  principle 
that  it  was  not  commendable  for  a  minister  to  attempt 
to  communicate  to  others  what  he  did  not  understand 
himself.  It  was  his  invariable  rule  to  acquire  distinct 
and  intelligent  views  of  any  subject  which  he  intended 
to  present   to  others,  and  to  make  all   knowledge  which 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKES.  357 

he  possessed  subservient  to  the  great  object  of  present- 
ing truth.  The  fund  of  knowledge  which  he  had  acquired 
was  taxed  constantly  for  the  purpose  of  elucidating 
truth,  that  his  hearers  might  understand  and  embrace  it. 
But  aside  from  human  science,  he  was  an  industrious  and 
devoted  student  of  the  Bible.  Not  only  did  he  make  it 
a  text  book,  but  a  devotional  book.  By  its  precious  con- 
tents he  strove  to  nourish  his  own  soul,  and  by  so  doing 
feed  others  with  the  same  spiritual  manna.  And  when 
time  would  permit,  and  as  far  as  the  subject  on  which 
his  thoughts  were  fixed,  required,  he  was  a  critical  reader 
of  the  Scriptures.  Very  few  of  his  discourses  were  weak 
for  not  having  them  well  strengthened  and  fortified  with 
scriptural  quotations.  The  doctrinal  and  practical  proof 
texts  drawn  from  this  source  occupied  their  proper  places 
in  his  sermons. 

To  accomplish  this,  he  searched  from  page  to  page, 
and  did  not  rest  satisfied  till  he  had  found  and  incorpo- 
rated in  his  skeleton,  or  manuscript,  every  passage  of 
Holy  Writ  which  proved  the  doctrine  or  practice  under 
discussion. 

He  possessed  a  very  great  facility  in  turning  from 
passage  to  passage,  and  thus  file  in  quotation  after  quo- 
tation to  prove  the  point  he  wished  to  urge  on  the  atten- 
tion of  his  hearers.  (When  some  complained,  that  for 
this,  his  sermons  were  too  lengthy,  when  at  Canton  his 
elder  brother,  Rev.  R.  Pettibone,  wished  him  to  continue 
the  practice,  for  it  was  the  trutJi  that  converted  sinners.) 
When  engaged  in  protracted  efforts,  it  was  his  custom 
to  read  the  Bible  systematically,  that  he  might  bring  out 
from  its  rich  treasures  things  new  and  old.  He  obeyed 
the  command,  "Search  the  Scriptures,"  that  he  might  di- 


358  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OY 

vide  aright  the  word  of  truth.  He  studied  the  Scrip- 
tures, I  repeat,  that  he  might  preach  them.  All  who 
have  listened  to  his  sermons  do  testify  that  he  brought  to 
view  many  passages,  that  are  not  usually  sounded  by 
the  ordinary  blowing  of  the  gospel  trumpet.  This  was 
acknowledged  by  his  older  brethren  in  the  ministry. 
With  it  striving  to  obey  the  command  given  to  Timothy 
by  Paul,  "Strive  to  be  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be 
ashamed,"  yea  to  be  an  able  minister  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment. 

II.  He  labored  more  abundantly  in  prayer.  This 
armor  of  conquest  seemed  to  be  always  on  him.  Al- 
ways ready  to  meet  every  spiritual  enemy  by  it,  or  to 
assist  the  pilgrim  in  any  situation  in  which  he  might  be 
placed.  By  this  gift  he  would  discover  to  the  disconso- 
late child  of  God  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night  and  the  cloudy 
pillar  by  day,  that  he  might  go  on  his  way  rejoicing. 
The  gift  that  was  given  to  him  by  the  great  head  of  the 
church,  the  spirit  of  supplication,  was  of  a  wrestling  kind. 
He  seemed  to  have  passed  it  maturely,  while  as  yet  he 
was  not  regularly  inducted  into  the  ministry,  and  he  ever 
improved  it  to  the  edification  of  those  who  listened  to 
his  earnest  entreaties  at  the  throne  of  grace.  How  the 
heart  was  moved  !  It  melted  down  by  the  soul-stirring 
pathos  of  his  depicting  supplications.  It  mattered  but 
little  how  cold,  dry  and  formal  the  feeling  that  might  per- 
vade, when  the  spirit  of  prayer  was  on  him,  the  souls  of 
the  pious  would  be  moved,  and  the  lukewarm  stirred  up, 
and  the  impenitent  would  listen  and  often  melt  before  its 
softening  influence.  Verily  he  labored  abundantly  in 
this  gift. 

He  acted  on  the  resolution  of  David:    that  at  morn 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  359 

ing,  noon  and  evening,  he  would  bow  before  the  Lord 
and  supplicate  His  favor.  (The  Rev.  R.  P.  spoke  of  his 
being  heard  early  in  the  morning  pouring  out  his  heart 
in  prayer  to  the  mercy  seat.)  Such  was  his  .habit  that 
we  may  say  of  a  surety,  that  in  improving  this  gift,  he 
departed  not  from  the  altar  of  devotion.  He  might  at 
times  have  been  too  personal,  but  it  was  zeal  that 
prompted  to  the  effort,  that  he  might  discern,  as  far  as 
human  effort  could,  between  those  who  do  good  and  those 
who  do  evil.  I  would  not  exaggerate  or  eulogize  beyond 
the  truth,  but  it  is  my  conviction  that  the  gift  of  prayer 
bestowed  on  our  departed  brother  and  willingly  improved 
by  him,  has  done  much  instrumentally,  for  the  past 
twenty  years,  to  irrigate  the  thirsty  hill  of  Zion  with 
rain  and  dews  of  heaven,  throughout  the  whole  region 
where  God  in  His  providence  has  called  him  to  labor. 
Under  God,  it  has  often  broken  up  the  thick  and  gross 
darkness  of  the  mind,  dispelled  the  dark  clouds  of  unbe- 
lief, and  turned  the  thoughts  of  the  impenitent  within 
that  they  might  see  their  own  vile  hearts;  and  by  the 
same  means,  how  often  has  the  compassion  of  God  been 
manifested.  The  expiring,  bleeding  Savior  portrayed  as 
dying  on  the  cross  for  sinners,  with  outstretched  arms  of 
mercy  !  So  far  as  the  form  is  concerned,  how  many  cases 
he  has  presented  to  the  mercy  seat?  How  many  times 
he  has  bowed  the  knee  before  the  "  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ"  to  beg  of  Him  for  pardon  and  salvation, 
that  the  feet  of  the  impenitent  might  be  taken  from  the 
horrible  pit  and  miry  clay,  and  set  upon  the  Rock  of 
Ages.  It  was  his  custom  to  pray  for  faith,  that  he  might 
have  his  confidence  unshaken  in  God,  especially  in  his 
efforts  to  do  good.     His  labors  in  this   gift   are  closed. 


3G0  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

He  sleeps  in  Jesus;  he  needs  not  to  pray.  That  entreat- 
ing voice  is  hushed  in  death ;  those  imploring  eyes  closed 
in  the  long  slumber  of  death,  and  his  voice  will  remain 
silent  till  the  archangel  shall  bid  him  rise  for  greater 
services  in  a  more  ample  sphere  than  earth.  But  the 
spirit  that  has  fled  has  been  doubtless  attuned  to  praise, 
yet  it  sings  but  one  song,  and  that  is,  "  The  song  of 
Moses  and  the  Lamb."  And  as  he  wakes  no  more  to 
pray  nor  to  entreat,  let  those  whosoever  heard  him  pray, 
remember  that  it  was  not  for  naught  in  the  mind  of  God 
that  they  had  the  privilege. 

III.     He  was  abundant  hi  preaching  the  word. 

I  declare  this  before  many  who  can  bear  witness  that 
I  lie  not.  It  was  not  only  his  prayer  that  he  might 
"  rightly  divide  the  word  and  give  to  each  their  por- 
tion in  due  season,  but  to  give  line  upon  line  and 
precept  upon  precept."  And  he  labored  night  and  day 
that  he  might  be  a  faithful  steward  to  the  household  of 
faith  for  his  Master.  Whatever  of  talent,  or  science,  or 
acquisition,  he  readily  brought  it  and  laid  it  down  at  the 
feet  of  his  Redeemer.  His  gift  was  not  locked  up  by 
him  like  money  in  a  chest ;  or  as  a  lamp,  trimmed  and 
put  under  a  bushel;  but  was  diffused  abroad,  or  placed 
in  a  conspicuous  place,  that  all  might  be  benefited.  He 
dwelt  under  the  canopy  of  devotion  while  preaching. 
He  went  into  the  desk  after  earnest  prayer  for  the  divine 
blessing  to  accompany  the  word  dispensed,  and  when 
the  seed  of  the  word  was  sown  he  looked  to  God  again 
that  it  might  take  deep  root  in  the  heart  and  bring  forth 
the  fruit  of  salvation ;  and  he  desired  soon  to  return  to 
scatter  abundantly  more  of  the  precious  word  of  truth. 

His  labors  in  various  sections  made  him  personally 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  361 

acquainted  with  incidents  which  were  skillfully  used  by 
him,  and  that  often  with  great  effect  in  impressing  truth 
on  the  minds  of  his  hearers. 

The  history  of  David  informs  us  that  he  brought  all 
the  spoils  which  he  acquired  by  conquest  and  devoted 
them  to  build  the  temple  of  God.  So  should  every  min- 
ister do  with  the  spoils  he  may  win,  make  all  subserve 
the  one  great  purpose  of  enforcing  truth.  On  this  plan 
our  deceased  brother  ever  labored.  As  far  as  human 
mind  could  scan,  nothing  escaped  his  notice;  by  observa- 
tion and  reading  he  gathered  materials  from  the  land  and 
from  the  ocean,  from  the  battle-field  and  social  circle, 
from  the  learned,  from  the  unlearned,  from  the  lightnings 
that  play  on  the  bosom  of  the  angry  clouds,  and  from 
the  thunders  that  roll  in  its  forked  pathway,  from  the 
devastating  tornado  and  the  gentle  zephyr  and  favoring 
breeze,  from  the  huge  mountain  and  the  bubble  on  the 
water  (under  the  ice"""),  from  the  joy  of  recovering  a 
lost  child,  and  from  the  fear  of,  or  an  actual  plunge  over 
Niagara's  awful  cataract,  from  the  deep  distress  of  a  soul 
from  a  sense  of  sin  and  from  a  soul  rejoicing  in  the  love 
of  Christ,  from  the  living  and  from  the  dead,  from  things 
animate  and  inanimate,  and  above  all,  from  the  law  and 
historical  facts  of  the  Bible  and  the  full  gospel  of  Christ 
— from  the  happy  pair  that  dwelt  in  Eden  and  from  its 
pleasant  bowers,  from  the  tragical  scene  of  Cain  and 
Abel,  from    Enoch  walking  with    God,    from    Abraham 


*  When  a  youth,  one  da}',  while  on  the  river,  walking  on  the  ice 
he  saw,  as  he  supposed,  a  piece  of  silver  looking  like  a  twenty-five 
cent  piece.  Elated  at  the  idea  of  obtaining  it,  he  hastened  to  procure 
a  tool  to  extricate  it  from  the  ice,  and,  upon  breaking  it  up,  found  to 
his  disappointment,  it  was  only  a  bubble! 


302  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

pleading  with  the  angel  of  the  covenant,  and  from  his 
offering  in  faith  his  son,  and  from  Moses  pleading  with 
God  and  Jacob  wrestling  with  the  angel,  from  Joshua's 
pious  resolve  to  serve  God  and  Gideon's  overthrow  of 
the  Midianites,  from  Elijah  ascending  to  heaven  and 
Elisha  curing  Naaman,  from  Nehemiah  building  up  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem  and  Esther  going  before  the  king  to 
plead  for  herself  and  people,  and  from  the  patience  of 
Job  and  the  devotions  of  David,  from  all  the  force  of  the 
language  of  the  prophets,  from  the  austerity  of  John  the 
Baptist  and  the  zeal  of  the  apostles,  from  the  infinite 
motives  drawn  from  the  life  and  death  of  the  Son  of  God, 
by  the  attractions  of  His  cross,  His  burial  and  resurrec- 
tion, and  from  all  the  pointed  passages  that  treat  of  the 
depravity  of  the  human  heart,  and  that  speak  of  the  sor- 
rows of  the  lost  and  happiness  of  the  redeemed.  These 
all  were  used  by  him  to  instruct  and  enforce  truth. 
Though  sometimes  in  a  mirthful  manner,  yet  as  often  of  the 
solemn  and  melting,  often  of  the  most  encouraging  de- 
scription to  the  child  of  grace,  that  he  might  gird  his  soul 
for  a  new  conquest  by  grace.  He  usually  succeeded 
by  the  Spirit  when  God's  people  asked  for  bread 
not  to  give  them  a  stone,  or  for  an  egg  not  to 
give  them  a  scorpion,  not  to  conduct  to  the  stale 
putrid  cistern  rather  than  the  living  overflowing 
stream  of  salvation.  There  was,  by  grace  and  gifts 
bestowed,  in  his  administration,  much  to  comfort 
and  edify  the  pilgrim  in  his  march  to  the  Canaan  of  rest, 
much  to  rouse  the  backslider  in  heart  and  to  convince 
the  impenitent  "  of  sin,  of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment 
to  come."  His  gift  was  of  a  rallying  kind.  He  never 
enjoyed  himself  better  than  when  he  was  associated  with 


LEWIS   ALFRED   WICKES.  3j53 

praying  people  and  had  the  sacramental  host  around  him 
moving  on  to  conquest.  Few  ministers  preached  as 
much  as  he  did,  by  day  and  by  night.  It  is  well-known 
to  the  public  that  for  several  years  his  labors  continued 
as  an  evangelist,  with  but  little  cessation.  He  has 
labored  in  protracted  efforts  as  much  as  three  years  of 
continued  labor  since  1841.  In  such  meetings  he  usually 
preached  fourteen  sermons  in  a  week,  making  in  all  two 
thousand  one  hundred  and  seventy  sermons  in  the  time 
specified.  This  is  as  near  as  I  can  estimate  by  the  facts 
in  my  possession.  I  do  not  say  that  it  is  to  a  fraction. 
I  think  it  true  on  the  whole.  This  would  be  more  than 
ten  years  of  ordinary  preaching  at  the  rate  of  four 
sermons  per  week.  Besides  this  his  exhortations  and 
instructions  around  the  anxious  seat  and  to  the  promis- 
cuous assembly  was  usually  as  much  as  an  ordinary  ser- 
mon each  day  and  evening  We  may  add  to  this  his 
seasons  of  prayer  in  private,  in  the  social  circle,  at  the 
opening  and  closing  up  of  religious  services,  and  for  the 
anxious,  whom,  except  in  a  few  instances,  I  never  knew 
him,  and  may  venture  to  say,  nor  others  ever  knew  him 
to  leave  till  he  had  prayed  for  and  instructed  them  to  come 
to  the  Savior.  Probably  he  preached  to  or  addressed 
public  assemblies  between  six  and  seven  thousand  times 
while  he  was  laboring  in  his  Master's  vineyard  on  earth; 
probably  some  three  thousand  times  more  than  ordinary 
preachers  in  the  same  time.  When  he  labored  statedly 
in  one  church  he  was  very  active  in  conducting  the  Bible 
class  and  Sabbath-school,  and  the  benevolent  institu- 
tions of  the  day  were  plead  by  him  with  success. 

His  was   a  warm   heart   towards  every  cause  which 
had  for  its  object  the  amelioration  of  the  human  family. 


364  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

The  principles  of  peace,  purity  of  heart  and  life,  the  cause 
of  temperance,  and  freedom  from  oppression  in  all  its 
forms  were  deeply  rooted  in  his  soul,  while  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners  to  God  was  the  first  object  of  his  life. 
"He  that  winneth  souls  to  God  is  wise."  (Letter  from 
his  widow.) 

He  labored  extensively  in  the  counties  of  Jefferson, 
Lewis  and  St.  Lawrence,  and  some  in  Franklin,  Oswego 
and  Oneida.  There  are  but  a  few  towns  in  the  three 
first  mentioned  counties  where  he  was  not  generally 
known  as  an  evangelist  whose  labors  were  blessed  of 
God  to  the  conversion  of  many  souls,  few  inhabitants  in 
these  towns  who  usually  attend  religious  worship  that 
had  not  heard  him  preach. 

It  is  not  for  me  to  say  how  many  expressed  a  saving 
change  of  heart  in  the  meetings  conducted  by  him.  I 
may  say,  that  within  the  bounds  of  charity,  he  has  wit- 
nessed the  conversion  of  three  thousand  souls  in  meetings 
held  by  him  and  other  meetings  which  he  attended,  while 
a  candidate  for  the  ministry.  But  the  great  day  that 
will  reveal  the  secrets  of  all  hearts,  can  disclose  the  true 
number  saved  by  his  instrumentality.  In  a  physical 
sense,  as  well  as  moral  and  religious,  we  can  see  that  it 
must  require  a  large  amount  of  labor  to  perform  so  much 
ministerial  service.  To  have  journeyed  from  county  to 
county  and  from  town  to  town,  and  in  all  seasons  of  the 
year,  carried  forward  so  arduous  a  work  as  efforts  which 
he  was  engaged  in  required.  "  He  must  have  been  in 
labors  more  abundant." 

You  may  think  lightly  of  such  labors,  you  may  say 
that  they  were  eclipsed  by  human  imperfection.  Let  us 
think  soberly  for  a  moment,  and  let  candor  and  true  judg- 


LEWIS   ALFRED  WICKES.  365 

ment  prevail.  Let  facts  speak,  let  truth  utter  her  voice, 
and  we  shall  learn  that  the  Lord  spoke  to  a  very  great 
degree  by  such  means.  So  that  hundreds  of  souls  have 
been  converted  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  by  them, 
many  of  whom  are  now  rejoicing  in  heaven.  We  dare 
not  say  that  on  the  whole  evil  has  been  done.  Who  will 
say  that  God  has  cursed  and  not  blessed?  "Wisdom  is 
justified  of  her  children."  Has  not  the  manna  by  these 
means  fallen  around  our  tabernacle?  Can  we  wish  that 
it  had  not  been  given  to  us?  Rather  let  us  think  that  it 
came  from  the  good  hand  of  our  God.  If  the  ratio  of 
doing  good  as  recorded  by  one  is  true,  "  that  if  one  soul 
is  converted  and  that  one  is  the  means  of  the  conversion 
of  two  more,  and  let  this  ratio  roll  on  a  thousand  years, 
the  sum  would  amount  to  60,000.  Reckon  according  to 
this  ratio,  and  the  labors  of  our  departed  brother,  with  a 
starting  point  within  the  bounds  of  charity,  would 
amount  to  the  startling  sum  of  90,000,000  of  souls  saved 
through  his  instrumentality,  or  his  labors  laid  the  founda- 
tion for  this  amount  of  good.  I  make  this  statement  not 
to  boast  of  the  dead,  but  to  show  how  the  Lord  can 
bless;  and  who  will  say  that  He  cannot  thus  by  small 
means,  when  He  has  set  in  His  statutes  the  promise  "  that 
one  can  chase  a  thousand  and  two  can  put  ten  thousand 
to  flight,"  and  that  those  "who  turn  many  to  righteous- 
ness shall  shine  as  the  stars  in  the  firmament  forever  and 
ever."  I  may  say  of  Brother  Wickes,  that  he  was  an  in- 
structive preacher.  A  practical  preacher  by  doctrine 
and  practice.  He  was  a  wise  preacher.  His  discourses 
judiciously  selected.  He  was  a  plain  preacher.  His 
hearers  could  understand  him.  He  was  faithful  to  ex- 
pose  sin.     He   was   an   animated   preacher.     The   great 


366  LIFE   AND  LETTERS  OF 

compass  of  his  voice  made  him  touchingly  eloquent.  He 
was  a  successful  preacher.  His  soul  was  formed  for 
friendship.  In  his  domestic  circle  he  was  kind  and 
affable.  So  in  the  social  circle.  His  brow  was  scarcely 
ever  knit  with  anger,  but  to  rebuke  sin.  He  was  a  man 
of  great  moral  courage.  In  this  quality  he  exceeded  in 
his  profession.  I  never  knew  him  to  quail  before  the 
transgressor.  In  all  his  labors  he  sought  to  find  out  ac- 
ceptable words.  He  is  gone!  The  candle  has  been  re- 
moved from  its  place  in  the  sanctuary.  The  laborer  has 
been  called  out  of  the  Master's  vineyard.  The  form  of  a 
good  man  has  passed  away  from  before  us.  One  who 
was  extensively  known.  Of  friends  he  had  many;  so  of 
enemies,  it  might  be  said  for  righteousness'  sake.  Did  he 
not  pray  and  labor  for  Zion  ?  Was  not  the  Lord  with 
him  by  His  spirit  ?  True  his  abundant  labors  could  not 
save  him;  nor  others  meritoriously.  "  It  is  not  by  might 
nor  by  power,"  etc.  "  Paul  may  plant  and  Apollos  wa- 
ter," etc.  He  was  a  reaper  and  a  gleaner  in  God's  har- 
vest field.  He  gathered  good  fruit  for  the  people  of 
God.  He  always  came  down  from  the  land  of  Canaan 
bearing  on  his  shoulders  fruit  as  pleasant  as  the  grapes 
of  Eschol ;  and  with  what  adroitness  he  would  give  them 
to  his  hearers.  Christian  friends,  when  shall  we  have  an- 
other Christian  teacher  like  him  ?  God  may  yet  be  kind. 
May  He  raise  up  laborers  after  His  own  heart  and  send 
them  forth  into  His  vineyard.  But  let  us  be  grateful  for 
past  favors.  He  has  given  us  much  good  instruction. 
"  Being  dead,  he  yet  speaketh  to  us."  The  voice  from  the 
grave  seems  to  say,  "  Remember  the  words  that  I  de- 
clared while  I  was  yet  with  you."  Has  he  not  stood 
with   us  in  the  awful  front  of  the  battle  by  God's  com- 


LEWIS    ALFRED    WICKES.  367 

mand,  and  like  our  great  statesman  who  rose  to  speak 
and  was  struck  with  death,  and  breathed  his  last 
in  the  capital  of  the  nation,  so  our  brother  was  preaching 
in  the  pulpit  when  the  last  summons  came  by  sickness 
that  terminated  his  earthly  existence.  As  our  two 
great  statesmen  died  on  the  4th  of  July,  the  Nation's 
birthday;  on  the  day  they  loved,  so  it  was  on  the  Sab- 
bath morning  that  he  closed  his  eyes  forever  on  the  light 
of  the  sun,  to  sleep,  we  hope,  in  Jesus.  He  was  cut 
down  with  his  armor  on.  "  Blessed  is  that  servant  who, 
when  his  Master  cometh,  He  shall  find  so  doing."  He 
shall  appoint  him  ruler  over  much;  and  what  shall  I  say 
to  those  persons  present  who  believed  not  under  the 
preaching  of  our  departed  brother  ?  He  held  three  differ- 
ent meetings  in  this  place,  almost  every  impenitent  per- 
son residing  here  at  the  different  times  that  he  was 
here,  heard  him  declare  the  word  of  life.  Do  you  blame 
us  for  introducing  him  to  you  as  the  servant  of  God  ? 
We  do  feel  grieved  to-day  that  you  did  no  more  attend 
to  the  words  which  he  spoke,  as  well  as  others  who  have 
visited  us  as  the  servants  of  God.  We  would  weep 
tears  of  pity,  for  the  hectic  flush  of  the  sure  and  fatal 
disease  of  sin  is  yet  on  your  cheeks,  that  betokens  eternal 
death.  Is  there  no  physician  that  can  heal  you?  None, 
except  ye  believe.  But  did  not  our  brother  faithfully 
converse  with  you  on  the  important  subject  of  your 
soul's  salvation  ?  Did  he  not  use  many  arguments 
drawn  from  the  law  and  gospel,  from  heaven,  earth  and 
hell  to  convince  you  of  your  need  of  accepting  of  the 
offers  of  the  Savior?  He  will  never  come  to  Richville 
and  Lisbon  again  to  preach  to  you,  but  he  will  meet  you 
at  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ  and  be  a  witness  against 


368  LIFE    AND    LETTERS    OF 

you,  and  this  by  the  appointment  of  the  Lord.  Once 
more,  in  this  manner  he  speaks  to  you.  We  come  with 
the  news  of  his  death,  with  his  coffin  and  winding  sheet, 
with  his  pale  countenance,  which  you  have  seen  so 
smiling,  and  beaming  with  love,  and  ask  you  to  remem- 
ber his  words. 

"  High  in  the  temple  of  the  living  God 
He  stood  amid  the  people,  and  declared 
Aloud  the  truth,  the  whole  revealed  truth. 
Ready  to  seal  it  with  his  blood.     Divine 
Resemblance  most  complete;  with  mercy  now 
•     And  love,  his  face  illumined,  shown  glorioush  ; 
And  frowning  now  indignantly,  it  seemed 
As  if  offended  justice  from  his  eye, 
Streamed  forth  vindictive  wrath!     Man  heard, 
The  uncircumcised  infidel    believed. 
Light    thought,  mirth,  grew  serious  and  wept; 
The  laugh  profane  sank  in  a  sigh  of  deep 
Repentance;  the  blasphemer,  kneeling,  prayed, 
And  prostrate  in  the  dust,  for  mercy  called. 
Such  was  his  calling,  his  commission  such. 
Yet  he  was  humble,  kind,  forgiving,  meek, 
Easy  to  be  entreated,  gracious,  mild; 
And  with  all  patience  and  affection,  taught. 
Rebuked,  persuaded,  solaced,  counseled,  warned. 
In  fervent  style  and  manner. 
A  skillful  workman  he 

In  God's  great  moral  vineyard;  what  to  prune 
With  curious  hand  he  knew,  what  to  uproot; 
What  were  weeds  and  what  celestial  plant-. 
Which  had  immortal  vigor  in  them,  knew, 
Nor  knew  alone,  but  watched  them  night  and  day, 
And  reared  and  nourished  them,  till  fit  to  be 
Transplanted  to  the  paradise  above. 
Oh,  who  can  speak  his  praise!  great,  humble  man! 
lie  in  the  current  of  destruction  stood, 
And  warned  the  sinner  of  his  woe;  led  on 


LEWIS  ALFRED  WICKEh.  369 

Immanuel's  soldiers  in  the  evil  day, 

And  with  the  everlasting  arms  embraced 

Himself  around,  stood  in  the  dreadful  front 

Of  battle  high,  and  warred  victoriously 

With  death  and  hell.     And  now  has  come  his  rest. 

His  triumph  day" 

"And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  say  unto  me: 
Write,  blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,  from 
henceforth,  yea  saith  the  Spirit  that  they  may  rest  from 
their  labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them."  Brethren, 
let  us  pray,  that  our  acquaintance  with  our  brother  may 
be  renewed  where  parting  shall  not  be  known.  May 
God  bless  his  bereaved  family,  for  His  Son's  sake,  to  whom 
be  glory  and  dominion  in  earth  and  heaven  forever  and 
ever.     Amen  and  Amen. 


The  following   is  an  extract  from  the  minutes   of  Black 
River  Association  : 

Sister  Wickes  : 

The  Moderator  having  announced  that  since  our 
last  meeting  it  had  pleased  God  in  His  providence  to  re- 
move from  us  our  highly  esteemed  and  much  beloved 
brother,  Rev.  Lewis  A.  Wickes,  the  following  minute  was 
adopted  :  Inasmuch  as  we  are  called  upon  to  record  the 
death  of  Brother  Wickes,  who,  after  a  brief  illness,  de- 
parted this  life  in  joyful  hope  of  a  blessed  immortality,  at 
Copenhagen,  Lewis  County,  the  19th  of  May,  in  the  41st 
year  of  his  age,  and  the  nineteenth  of  his  ministry,  hav- 
ing labored  nine  years  in  the  churches  at  Stows  Square 
and  Antwerp,  and  a  little  over  nine  years  as  an  Evangel- 


37<>  LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF 

ist  in  the  counties  of  St.  Lawrence,  Franklin,  Oneida, 
Oswego,  Lewis  and  Jefferson.     Therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  churches  in  this  region  have 
occasion  to  mourn.  And  as  an  Association  we  feel 
deeply  afflicted  in  the  dispensation  of  Divine  Providence, 
which  has  removed  from  our  fraternal  intercourse  and 
from  an  extensive  field  of  usefulness  a  dear  brother,  who 
had  but  just  passed  the  meridian  of  life,  and  who  mani- 
fested a  single-hearted  devotedness  and  an  untiring  zeal 
in  the  work  of  his  high  calling,  until  from  the  pulpit  he 
was  summoned  to  his  final  account,  and  that  while  we 
bow  in  humble  submission  to  the  will  of  Him  whose 
ways  are  unsearchable  and  who  doeth  all  things  well,  we 
regard  the  event  as  a  voice  from  our  Master,  saying, 
"  Work  while  the  day  lasts ;  be  ye  also  ready." 

Resolved,  That  while  we  extend  to  the  bereaved 
family  and  relatives,  in  their  deep  affliction,  our  affection- 
ate remembrance  and  tender  sympathy,  we  also  rejoice 
that  God,  in  His  abounding  goodness,  has  so  richly  com- 
mingled their  cup  with  the  consolations  of  His  grace, and 
that  we  most  earnestly  commend  them  to  Him  who  has 
not  only  promised  to  direct  the  steps  of  those  who  com- 
mit their  way  unto  Him,  but  to  be  "  the  widow's  God, 
and  a  father  to  the  fatherless." 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to 
the  family  of  the  deceased,  and  also  to  the  editors  of  the 
"  Independent"  and  the  New  York  "  Evangelist"  for  pub- 
lication. 

(Signed)  H.  H.  Waite, 

Register  for  Association. 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES 

This  book  is  due  on  the  date  indicated  below,  or  at  the 
I  expiration  of  a  definite  period  after  the  date  of  borrowing,  as 
t  provided  by  the  library  rules  or  by  special  arrangement  with 
the  Librarian  in  charge. 


DATE    BORROWED 


DATE  DUE 


DATE  BORROWED 


DATE  DUE 


C28(84a)M  >0 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY 


938.6 


0035521740 

1=        -      -   r-r 


938.6 


W633 


Wickes 

The  life  and  letter      of  Rev 
Lewig    fllfr^   W1"r*« 


BRITTLE  DO  NOt 
PHOTOCOPY 


,,.;^^^:h;:-; 


